Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Replace Pharmacy Air Handling Unit

PROJECT #552‐20‐505

Provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to replace the Pharmacy Air Handling Unit and associated equipment in accordance with the description below and all referenced documents. The work is to be performed at the Dayton VA Medical Center, Building 330 located at 4100 West Third

Street, Dayton, OH 45428.

OVERVIEW: The new AHU shall be a 4,800 CFM; 100% OA unit and shall include a mixing box with inlet damper, filter section, steam integral face and bypass coil section, chilled water cooling coil, humidification section, supply fan with VFD and discharge plenum. A new air‐cooled water chiller will replace the existing unit for increased cooling capacity. The new chilled water system will include 30% propylene glycol for freeze protection and include a new glycol feed system. Other associated support work will include ductwork revisions, (2) chilled water pump replacements, chiller platform modifications as required, chilled water and steam piping revisions, adding air flow system controllers with hot water reheat for the supply air and adding air flow system controllers (no heating coil) for the return and exhaust. Testing and balancing services for the air handling unit and all associated air airflow system controllers, exhaust fans, air devices, etc. This AHU serves the pharmacy compounding area and shall be balanced to the requirements of USP 800. Electrical, plumbing and technology work as required to support HVAC work.

The Prime Contractor will be responsible for obtaining the services of a qualified Commissioning firm to administer the Commissioning process by managing the Commissioning team and overseeing the

Commissioning Process. The Commissioning Agent (CxA) shall work through and report to the VA Project

Engineer/COR. The Commissioning Agent (CxA) shall be paid by the Prime Contractor.

All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA security management program and obtain permission of the VA police, be identified by project and employer, and restricted from unauthorized access.

1. Statement of Bid Items

a. BID ITEM 1, (BASE BID): All work specified or show in the bid documents. Work includes all demolition, general construction, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection work, necessary removal of existing construction and certain other items and construction of new work shown. Contractor shall have 180 Days from Notice to

Proceed to complete work associated with BID ITEM 1, BASE BID.

b. BID ITEM 2, (DEDUCT ALTERNATE NO. 1): Contractor shall perform all work as described in BID ITEM 1, (BASE BID) except:

i. Deduct all construction work associated with the Lower Level Pharmacy

Compounding Area as indicated on sheets 330MD100 and 300M100. Testing and balancing of the Compounding Area will still be required. This work will deduct 45 days from the construction schedule.

2. Operations and Storage Areas.

a. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on

Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. The

Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.

b. Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as determined by the

COR.

c. Workers are subject to rules of Medical Center applicable to their conduct.

d. Execute work so as to interfere as little as possible with normal functioning of Medical

Center as a whole, including operations of utility services, fire protection systems and any existing equipment, and with work being done by others. Use of equipment and tools that transmit vibrations and noises through the building structure, are not permitted in buildings that are occupied, during construction, jointly by patients or medical personnel, and Contractor's personnel, except as permitted by COR where required by limited working space.

i. Do not store materials and equipment in other than assigned areas.

ii. Schedule delivery of materials and equipment to immediate construction working areas within buildings in use by Department of Veterans Affairs in quantities sufficient for not more than two work days. Provide unobstructed access to Medical Center areas required to remain in operation.

e. The Medical Center must maintain its operation 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Therefore, any interruption in service must be scheduled and coordinated with the COR to ensure that no lapses in operation occur. It is the CONTRACTOR'S responsibility to develop a work plan and schedule detailing, at a minimum, the procedures to be employed, the equipment and materials to be used, the interim life safety measure to be used during the work, and a schedule defining the duration of the work with milestone subtasks. The work to be outlined shall include, but not be limited to:

i. To ensure such executions, Contractor shall furnish the COR with a schedule of approximate dates on which the Contractor intends to accomplish work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. In addition, Contractor shall notify the COR two weeks in advance of the proposed date of starting work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. Arrange such dates to ensure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to

COR and Contractor.

f. Utilities Services: Maintain existing utility services for Medical Center at all times.

Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services. Where necessary to cut existing water, steam, gases, sewer or air pipes, or conduits, wires, cables, etc. of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by COR.

i. No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of COR. Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de‐energized.

ii. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, 7 days n advance of proposed interruption. Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption.

iii. Contractor will be advised (in writing) of approval of request, or of which other date and/or time such interruption will cause least inconvenience to operations of Medical Center. Interruption time approved by Medical Center may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

iv. Major interruptions of any system must be requested, in writing, at least 15 calendar days prior to the desired time and shall be performed as directed by the COR.

v. In case of a contract construction emergency, service will be interrupted on approval of COR. Such approval will be confirmed in writing as soon as practical.

g. Abandoned Lines: All service lines such as wires, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes and the like, and their hangers or supports, which are to be abandoned but are not required to be entirely removed, shall be sealed, capped or plugged at the main, branch or panel they originate from. The lines shall not be capped in finished areas, but shall be removed and sealed, capped or plugged in ceilings, within furred spaces, in unfinished areas, or within walls or partitions; so that they are completely behind the finished surfaces.

3. Protection: Provide the following protective measures:

a. Wherever existing roof surfaces are disturbed they shall be protected against water infiltration. In case of leaks, they shall be repaired immediately upon discovery.

b. Temporary protection against damage for portions of existing structures and grounds where work is to be done, materials handled and equipment moved and/or relocated.

c. Protection of interior of existing structures at all times, from damage, dust and weather inclemency. Wherever work is performed, floor surfaces that are to remain in place shall be adequately protected prior to starting work, and this protection shall be maintained intact until all work in the area is completed.

4. Disposal and Retention

a. Materials and equipment accruing from work removed and from demolition of buildings or structures, or parts thereof, shall be disposed of as follows:

i. Reserved items which are to remain property of the Government are identified by attached tags or noted on drawings or in specifications as items to be stored.

Items that remain property of the Government shall be removed or dislodged from present locations in such a manner as to prevent damage which would be detrimental to re‐installation and reuse. Store such items where directed by

COR.

ii. Items not reserved shall become property of the Contractor and be removed by

Contractor from Medical Center.

iii. Items of portable equipment and furnishings located in rooms and spaces in which work is to be done under this contract shall remain the property of the

Government.

5. Restoration

a. Remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work. Except as otherwise shown or specified, do not cut, alter or remove any structural work, and do not disturb any ducts, plumbing, steam, gas, or electric work without approval of the COR. Existing work to be altered or extended and that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work, shall conform in type and quality to that of original existing construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

b. Upon completion of contract, deliver work complete and undamaged. Existing work

(walls, ceilings, partitions, floors, mechanical and electrical work, lawns, paving, roads, walks, etc.) disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work.

c. At Contractor's own expense, Contractor shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workers to existing piping and conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems

(including telephone) which are not scheduled for discontinuance or abandonment.

d. Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown will be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243‐4) and "DIFFERING SITE

CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236‐2).

6. As‐Built Drawings

a. The contractor shall maintain two full size sets of as‐built drawings which will be kept current during construction of the project, to include all contract changes, modifications and clarifications.

b. All variations shall be shown in the same general detail as used in the contract drawings.

To ensure compliance, as‐built drawings shall be made available for COR review, as often as requested.

c. Contractor shall deliver two approved completed sets of as‐built drawings in the electronic version (scanned PDF) to the COR within 15 calendar days after each completed phase and after the acceptance of the project by the COR.

d. Paragraphs A, B, & C shall also apply to all shop drawings.

7. Tests

a. Contractor shall provide a written testing and commissioning plan complete with component level, equipment level, sub‐system level and system level breakdowns. The plan will provide a schedule and a written sequence of what will be tested, how and what the expected outcome will be. This document will be submitted for approval prior to commencing work. The contractor shall document the results of the approved plan and submit for approval with the as built documentation.

b. Pre‐test mechanical and electrical equipment and systems and make corrections required for proper operation of such systems before requesting final tests. Final test will not be conducted unless pre‐tested.

c. Conduct final tests required in presence of an authorized representative of the

Contracting Officer. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, instruments, and forms, to conduct and record such tests.

d. Mechanical and electrical systems shall be balanced, controlled and coordinated. A system is defined as the entire system which must be coordinated to work together during normal operation to produce results for which the system is designed. For example, air conditioning supply air is only one part of entire system which provides comfort conditions for a building. Other related components are return air, exhaust air, steam, chilled water, refrigerant, hot water, controls and electricity, etc. Another example of a system which involves several components of different disciplines is a boiler installation. Efficient and acceptable boiler operation depends upon the coordination and proper operation of fuel, combustion air, controls, steam, feedwater, condensate and other related components.

e. All related components as defined above shall be functioning when any system component is tested. Tests shall be completed within a reasonably period of time during which operating and environmental conditions remain reasonably constant and are typical of the design conditions.

f. Individual test result of any component, where required, will only be accepted when submitted with the test results of related components and of the entire system.

8. Instructions

a. Contractor shall furnish Maintenance and Operating manuals (hard copies and electronic) and verbal instructions when required by the various sections of the specifications and as hereinafter specified.

b. Manuals: Maintenance and operating manuals and one compact disc (four hard copies and one electronic copy each) for each separate piece of equipment shall be delivered to the COR coincidental with the delivery of the equipment to the job site. Manuals shall be complete, detailed guides for the maintenance and operation of equipment. They shall include complete information necessary for starting, adjusting, maintaining in continuous operation for long periods of time and dismantling and reassembling of the complete units and sub‐assembly components. Manuals shall include an index covering all component parts clearly cross‐referenced to diagrams and illustrations. Illustrations shall include "exploded" views showing and identifying each separate item. Emphasis shall be placed on the use of special tools and instruments. The function of each piece of equipment, component, accessory and control shall be clearly and thoroughly explained. All necessary precautions for the operation of the equipment and the reason for each precaution shall be clearly set forth. Manuals must reference the exact model, style and size of the piece of equipment and system being furnished. Manuals referencing equipment similar to but of a different model, style, and size than that furnished will not be accepted.

c. Instructions: Contractor shall provide qualified, factory‐trained manufacturers' representatives to give detailed training to assigned Department of Veterans Affairs personnel in the operation and complete maintenance for each piece of equipment. All such training will be at the job site. These requirements are more specifically detailed in the various technical sections. Instructions for different items of equipment that are component parts of a complete system, shall be given in an integrated, progressive manner. All instructors for every piece of component equipment in a system shall be available until instructions for all items included in the system have been completed.

This is to assure proper instruction in the operation of inter‐related systems. All instruction periods shall be at such times as scheduled by the COR and shall be considered concluded only when the COR is satisfied in regard to complete and thorough coverage. The contractor shall submit a course outline with associated material to the COR for review and approval prior to scheduling training to ensure the subject matter covers the expectations of the VA and the contractual requirements.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to request the removal of, and substitution for, any instructor who, in the opinion of the COR, does not demonstrate sufficient qualifications in accordance with requirements for instructors above.

9. Relocated Items

a. Contractor shall disconnect, dismantle as necessary, remove and reinstall in new location, all existing equipment and items shown to be relocated by the Contractor.

b. Perform relocation of such equipment or items at such times and in such a manner as directed by the COR.

c. Suitably cap existing service lines, such as steam, condensate return, water, drain, gas, air, vacuum and/or electrical, at the main whenever such lines are disconnected from equipment to be relocated. Remove abandoned lines in finished areas and cap as specified herein before under paragraph "Abandoned Lines".

d. Provide all mechanical and electrical service connections, fittings, fastenings and any other materials necessary for assembly and installation of relocated equipment; and leave such equipment in proper operating condition.

e. All service lines such as noted above for relocated equipment shall be in place at point of relocation ready for use before any existing equipment is disconnected. Make relocated existing equipment ready for operation or use immediately after reinstallation.

10. The Contractor shall develop a Critical Path Method (CPM) plan and schedule demonstrating fulfillment of the contract requirements (Project Schedule), and shall keep the Project Schedule up‐to‐date in accordance with the requirements of this section and shall utilize the plan for scheduling, coordinating and monitoring work under this contract (including all activities of subcontractors, equipment vendors and suppliers). Conventional Critical Path Method (CPM) technique shall be utilized to satisfy both time and cost applications.

a. The Contractor shall cost load work activities/events for all BID ITEMS. The sum of each

BID ITEM work shall equal the value of the bid item in the Contractors' bid.

b. If it becomes apparent from the current progress schedule that phasing or contract completion dates will not be met, the Contractor shall execute some or all of the following remedial actions:

i. Increase construction manpower in such quantities and crafts as necessary to eliminate the backlog of work.

ii. Increase the number of working hours per shift, shifts per working day, working days per week, the amount of construction equipment, or any combination of the foregoing to eliminate the backlog of work.

iii. Reschedule the work in conformance with the specification requirements.

11. Shop Drawings.

a. VA approval of a submittal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for any error which may exist. The Contractor is responsible for fully complying with all contract requirements and the satisfactory construction of all work, including the need to check, confirm, and coordinate the work of all subcontractors for the project. Non‐compliant material incorporated in the work will be removed and replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

b. Submittal Register

i. The submittal register will list items of equipment and materials for which submittals are required by the specifications. This list may not be all inclusive and additional submittals may be required by the specifications. The Contractor is not relieved from supplying submittals required by the contract documents, but which have been omitted from the submittal register.

ii. The submittal register will serve as a scheduling document for submittals and will be used to control submittal actions throughout the contract period.

iii. The Contractor will provide the initial submittal register in electronic format.

Thereafter, the Contractor shall track all submittals by maintaining a complete list, including completion of all data columns, including dates on which submittals are received and returned by the VA.

iv. The Contractor shall update the submittal register as submittal actions occur and maintain the submittal register at the project site until final acceptance of all work by Contracting Officer.

c. Each submittal is to be complete and in sufficient detail to allow ready determination of compliance with contract requirements.

d. Collect required data for each specific material, product, unit of work, or system into a single submittal. Prominently mark choices, options, and portions applicable to the submittal. Partial submittals will not be accepted for expedition of construction effort.

Submittal will be returned without review if incomplete.

e. If available product data is incomplete, provide Contractor‐prepared documentation to supplement product data and satisfy submittal requirements.

f. All irrelevant or unnecessary data shall be removed from the submittal to facilitate accuracy and timely processing. Submittals that contain the excessive amount of irrelevant or unnecessary data will be returned with review.

g. Provide a transmittal form for each submittal.

h. The Contractor is responsible for reviewing and certifying that all submittals are in compliance with contract requirements before submitting for VA review. Proposed deviations from the contract requirements are to be clearly identified. All deviations submitted must include a side by side comparison of item being proposed against item specified. Failure to point out deviations will result in the VA requiring removal and replacement of such work at the Contractor's expense.

i. Stamp, sign, and date each submittal transmittal form indicating action taken.

j. Provide submittals in electronic format, with the exception of material samples. Use

PDF as the electronic format, unless otherwise specified or directed by the Contracting

Officer.

k. Compile the electronic submittal file as a single, complete document. Name the electronic submittal file specifically according to its contents.

l. Electronic files must be of sufficient quality that all information is legible. Generate PDF files from original documents so that the text included in the PDF file is both searchable and can be copied. If documents are scanned, Optical Character Resolution (OCR) routines are required.

m. E‐mail electronic submittal documents smaller than 5MB in size to e‐mail addresses as directed by the Contracting Officer.

n. Provide electronic documents over 5MB through an electronic FTP file sharing system.

Confirm that the electronic FTP file sharing system can be accessed from the VA computer network. The Contractor is responsible for setting up, providing, and maintaining the electronic FTP file sharing system for the construction contract period of performance.

o. Provide hard copies of submittals when requested by the Contracting Officer. Up to 3 additional hard copies of any submittal may be requested at the discretion of the

Contracting Officer, at no additional cost to the VA.

p. The VA will review all submittals for compliance with the technical requirements of the contract documents. Review will be only for conformance with the applicable codes, standards and contract requirements.

q. Period of review for submittals begins when the VA COR receives submittal from the

Contractor.

r. Period of review for each resubmittal is the same as for initial submittal.

s. VA review period is 15 working days for submittals.

t. VA review period is 10 working days for RFIs.

u. The VA will return submittals to the Contractor with the following notations:

i. "Approved": authorizes the Contractor to proceed with the work covered.

ii. "Approved as noted": authorizes the Contractor to proceed with the work covered provided the Contractor incorporates the noted comments and makes the noted corrections.

iii. "Disapproved, revise and resubmit": indicates noncompliance with the contract requirements or that submittal is incomplete. Resubmit with appropriate changes and corrections. No work shall proceed for this item until resubmittal is approved.

iv. "Not reviewed": indicates submittal does not have evidence of being reviewed and approved by Contractor or is not complete. A submittal marked "not reviewed" will be returned with an explanation of the reason it is not reviewed.

Resubmit submittals after taking appropriate action.

v. The VA approval of submittals is not to be construed as a complete check, and indicates only that the general method of construction, materials, detailing, and other information are satisfactory.

w. VA approval of a submittal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for any error which may exist. The Contractor is responsible for fully complying with all contract requirements and the satisfactory construction of all work, including the need to check, confirm, and coordinate the work of all subcontractors for the project. Non‐compliant material incorporated in the work will be removed and replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

x. After submittals have been approved, no resubmittal for the purpose of substituting materials or equipment will be considered unless accompanied by an explanation of why a substitution is necessary.

12. Safety Requirements

a. In addition to the detailed requirements included in the provisions of this contract, comply with 29 CFR 1926, comply with 29 CFR 1910 as incorporated by reference within

29 CFR 1926, comply with ASSE A10.34, and all applicable [federal, state, and local] laws, ordinances, criteria, rules and regulations. Submit matters of interpretation of standards for resolution before starting work. Where the requirements of this specification, applicable laws, criteria, ordinances, regulations, and referenced documents vary, the most stringent requirements govern except with specific approval and acceptance by the Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority.

b. Accident Prevention Plan (APP).

i. The APP (aka Construction Safety & Health Plan) shall interface with the

Contractor's overall safety and health program. Include any portions of the

Contractor's overall safety and health program referenced in the APP in the applicable APP element and ensure it is site‐specific. The Government considers the Prime Contractor to be the "controlling authority" for all worksite safety and health of each subcontractor(s). Contractors are responsible for informing their subcontractors of the safety provisions under the terms of the contract and the penalties for noncompliance, coordinating the work to prevent one craft from interfering with or creating hazardous working conditions for other crafts, and inspecting subcontractor operations to ensure that accident prevention responsibilities are being carried out.

ii. The APP shall be prepared as follows:

1. Written in English by a qualified person who is employed by the Prime

Contractor articulating the specific work and hazards pertaining to the contract (model language can be found in ASSE A10.33). Specifically articulating the safety requirements found within these VA contract safety specifications.

2. Address both the Prime Contractors and the subcontractors work operations.

3. State measures to be taken to control hazards associated with materials, services, or equipment provided by suppliers.

iii. Submit the APP to the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with “11. Shop Drawings” (above) 14 calendar days prior to the date of the preconstruction conference for acceptance. Work cannot proceed without an accepted APP.

iv. Once accepted by the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority, the APP and attachments will be enforced as part of the contract. Disregarding the provisions of this contract or the accepted APP will be cause for stopping of work, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236‐13, Accident Prevention, until the matter has been rectified.

v. Once work begins, changes to the accepted APP shall be made with the knowledge and concurrence of the Contracting Officer Representative or

Government Designated Authority. Should any severe hazard exposure, i.e.

imminent danger, become evident, stop work in the area, secure the area, and develop a plan to remove the exposure and control the hazard. Notify the

Contracting Officer within 24 hours of discovery. Eliminate/remove the hazard.

In the interim, take all necessary action to restore and maintain safe working conditions in order to safeguard onsite personnel, visitors, the public and the environment.

c. Contractor representatives who have a responsibility or significant role in implementation of the accident prevention program, as required by 29 CFR

1926.20(b)(1), on the project shall attend the preconstruction conference to gain a mutual understanding of its implementation. This includes the project superintendent, subcontractor superintendents, and any other assigned safety and health professionals.

d. “Site Safety and Health Officer” (SSHO) and “Competent Person” (CP).

i. The Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government‐accepted Accident Prevention Plan. Each subcontractor shall designate a minimum of one CP in compliance with 29 CFR

1926.20 (b)(2) that will be identified as a CP to administer their individual safety programs.

ii. Further, all specialized Competent Persons for the work crews will be supplied by the respective contractor as required by 29 CFR 1926 (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire Safety/Life Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and Trenches/Excavations).

iii. These Competent Persons can have collateral duties as the subcontractor’s superintendent and/or work crew lead persons as well as fill more than one specialized CP role (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall

Protection, Fire Safety/Life Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and

Trenches/Excavations).

iv. The SSHO or an equally‐qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236‐6: Superintendence by the Contractor. CPs will maintain presence during their construction activities in accordance with above mentioned clause. A listing of the designated SSHO and all known CPs shall be submitted prior to the start of work as part of the APP with the training documentation and/or AHA as listed in Section 1.8 below.

v. The repeated presence of uncontrolled hazards during a contractor’s work operations will result in the designated CP as being deemed incompetent and result in the required removal of the employee in accordance with FAR Clause

52.236‐5: Material and Workmanship, Paragraph (c).

vi. The designated Prime Contractor SSHO must meet the requirements of all applicable OSHA standards and be capable (through training, experience, and qualifications) of ensuring that the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.16 and other appropriate Federal, State and local requirements are met for the project. As a minimum the SSHO must have completed the OSHA 30‐hour Construction

Safety class and have five (5) years of construction industry safety experience or three (3) years if he/she possesses a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or certified Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) certification or have a safety and health degree from an accredited university or college.

vii. All designated CPs shall have completed the OSHA 30‐hour Construction Safety course within the past 5 years.

viii. In addition to the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Safety Course, all CPs with high hazard work operations such as operations involving asbestos, electrical, cranes, demolition, work at heights/fall protection, fire safety/life safety, ladder, rigging, scaffolds, and trenches/excavations shall have a specialized formal course in the hazard recognition & control associated with those high hazard work operations. Documented “repeat” deficiencies in the execution of safety requirements will require retaking the requisite formal course.

ix. All other construction workers shall have the OSHA 10‐hour Construction Safety

Outreach course and any necessary safety training to be able to identify hazards within their work environment.

x. Prior to any worker for the contractor or subcontractors beginning work, they shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the SSHO or his/her designated representative. As a minimum, this briefing shall include information on the site‐ specific hazards, construction limits, VAMC safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VAMC equipment, emergency procedures, accident reporting etc... Documentation shall be provided to the COR that individuals have undergone contractor’s safety briefing.

xi. Ongoing safety training will be accomplished in the form of weekly documented safety meeting.

xii. The SSHO shall conduct frequent and regular safety inspections (daily) of the site and each of the subcontractors CPs shall conduct frequent and regular safety inspections (daily) of their work operations as required by 29 CFR

1926.20(b)(2). Each week, the SSHO shall conduct a formal documented inspection of the entire construction areas with the subcontractors’ “Trade

Safety and Health CPs” present in their work areas. Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions weekly to Contracting Officer Representative or

Government Designated Authority.

13. Infection Control

a. Infection Control is critical in all medical center facilities. Interior construction activities causing disturbance of existing dust, or creating new dust, must be conducted within ventilation‐controlled areas that minimize the flow of airborne particles into patient areas.

b. An AHA associated with infection control will be performed by VA personnel in accordance with FGI Guidelines (i.e. Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)). The ICRA procedure found on the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) website will be utilized. Risk classifications of Class II or lower will require approval by the

Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority before beginning any construction work. Risk classifications of Class III or higher will require a permit before beginning any construction work. Infection Control permits will be issued by the Government Designate Authority. The Infection Control Permits will be posted outside the appropriate construction area. More than one permit may be issued for a construction project if the work is located in separate areas requiring separate classes.

The primary project scope area for this project is: Class I for work in the second floor mechanical room and the third floor roof and Class III for work on the lower level

(Pharmacy Area), however, work outside the primary project scope area may vary. The required infection control precautions with each class are as follows:

i. Class I Requirements:

1. During Construction Work:

a. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority.

b. Execute work by methods to minimize raising dust from construction operations.

c. Ceiling tiles: Immediately replace a ceiling tiles displaced for visual inspection.

2. Upon completion:

a. Clean work area upon completion of task.

b. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority.

ii. Class III Requirements:

1. During Construction Work:

a. Obtain permit from the Government Designated Authority.

b. Remove or Isolate HVAC system in area where work is being done to prevent contamination of duct system.

c. Complete all critical barriers i.e. sheetrock, plywood, plastic, to seal area from non‐work area or implement control cube method (cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit) before construction begins. Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours.

d. Maintain negative air pressure, 0.01 inches of water gauge, within work site utilizing HEPA equipped air filtration units and continuously monitored with a digital display, recording and alarm instrument, which must be calibrated on installation, maintained with periodic calibration and monitored by the contractor.

e. Contain construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

f. Cover transport receptacles or carts. Tape covering unless solid lid.

2. Upon Completion:

a. Do not remove barriers from work area until completed project is inspected by the Contracting Officer Representative or

Government Designated Authority and thoroughly cleaned by the VA Environmental Services Department.

b. Remove construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully to minimize spreading of dirt and debris associated with construction, outside of normal work hours.

c. Vacuum work area with HEPA filtered vacuums.

d. Wet mop area with cleaner/disinfectant.

e. Upon completion, restore HVAC system where work was performed.

f. Return permit to the Government Designated Authority.

c. Barriers shall be erected as required based upon classification (Class III & IV requires barriers) and shall be constructed as follows.

i. Class III and IV ‐ closed door with masking tape applied over the frame and door is acceptable for projects that can be contained in a single room.

ii. Construction, demolition or reconstruction not capable of containment within a single room must have the following barriers erected and made presentable on hospital occupied side:

1. Class III & IV (where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the Resident Engineer and Medical Center) ‐ Airtight plastic barrier that extends from the floor to ceiling. Seams must be sealed with duct tape to prevent dust and debris from escaping.

2. Class III & IV ‐ Drywall barrier erected with joints covered or sealed to prevent dust and debris from escaping.

3. Class III & IV ‐ Seal all penetrations in existing barrier airtight.

4. Class III & IV ‐ Barriers at penetration of ceiling envelopes, chases and ceiling spaces to stop movement air and debris.

5. Class III & IV ‐ At elevators shafts or stairways within the field of construction, overlapping flap minimum of two feet wide of polyethylene enclosures for personnel access.

d. Products and Materials:

i. Sheet Plastic: Fire retardant polystyrene, 6‐mil thickness meeting local fire codes.

ii. Barrier Doors: Self Closing One‐hour fire‐rated solid core wood in steel frame, painted.

iii. Dust proof one‐hour fire‐rated drywall.

iv. High Efficiency Particulate Air‐Equipped filtration machine rated at 95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other prefilter to extend the useful life of the HEPA.

Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units. Maintenance of equipment and replacement of the HEPA filters and other filters will be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

v. Exhaust Hoses: Heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced; Ventilation Blower Hose.

vi. Adhesive Walk‐off Mats: Provide minimum size mats of 24 inches x 36 inches.

vii. Disinfectant: Hospital‐approved disinfectant or equivalent product.

viii. Portable Ceiling Access Module

e. Before any construction on site begins, all contractor personnel involved in the construction or renovation activity shall be educated and trained in infection prevention measures established by the medical center.

f. A dust control program will be established and maintained as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the FGI Guidelines for Design and

Construction of Healthcare Facilities. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project‐specific dust protection measures with associated product data, including periodic status reports, and submit to the COR and Facility CSC for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with “11. Shop Drawings”

(above).

g. Medical center Infection Control personnel will monitor for airborne disease (e.g.

aspergillosis) during construction. A baseline of conditions will be established by the medical center prior to the start of work and periodically during the construction stage to determine impact of construction activities on indoor air quality with safe thresholds established.

h. In general, the following preventive measures shall be adopted during construction to keep down dust and prevent mold.

i. Contractor shall verify that construction exhaust to exterior is not reintroduced to the medical center through intake vents, or building openings. HEPA filtration is required where the exhaust dust may reenter the medical center.

ii. Exhaust hoses shall be exhausted so that dust is not reintroduced to the medical center.

iii. Adhesive Walk‐off/Carpet Walk‐off Mats shall be used at all interior transitions from the construction area to occupied medical center area. These mats shall be changed as often as required to maintain clean work areas directly outside construction area at all times.

iv. Vacuum and wet mop all transition areas from construction to the occupied medical center at the end of each workday. Vacuum shall utilize HEPA filtration.

Maintain surrounding area frequently. Remove debris as it is created. Transport these outside the construction area in containers with tightly fitting lids.

v. The contractor shall not haul debris through patient‐care areas without prior approval of the Resident Engineer and the Medical Center. When, approved, debris shall be hauled in enclosed dust proof containers or wrapped in plastic and sealed with duct tape. No sharp objects should be allowed to cut through the plastic. Wipe down the exterior of the containers with a damp rag to remove dust. All equipment, tools, material, etc. transported through occupied areas shall be made free from dust and moisture by vacuuming and wipe down.

vi. There shall be no standing water during construction. This includes water in equipment drip pans and open containers within the construction areas. All accidental spills must be cleaned up and dried within 12 hours. Remove and dispose of porous materials that remain damp for more than 72 hours.

vii. At completion, remove construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours. Vacuum and clean all surfaces free of dust after the removal.

i. Final Cleanup.

i. Upon completion of project, or as work progresses, remove all construction debris from above ceiling, vertical shafts and utility chases that have been part of the construction.

ii. Perform HEPA vacuum cleaning of all surfaces in the construction area. This includes walls, ceilings, cabinets, furniture (built‐in or free standing), partitions, flooring, etc.

iii. All new air ducts shall be cleaned prior to final inspection.

j. Contractor shall provide written certification that all contract employees assigned to the work site have had a pre‐placement tuberculin screening within 90 days prior to assignment to the worksite and been found have negative TB screening reactions.

Contractors shall be required to show documentation of negative TB screening reactions for any additional workers who are added after the 90‐day requirement before they will be allowed to work on the work site. NOTE: This can be the Center for Disease Control

(CDC) and Prevention and two‐step skin testing or a Food and Drug Administration

(FDA)‐approved blood test.

i. Contract employees manifesting positive screening reactions to the tuberculin shall be examined according to current CDC guidelines prior to working on VHA property.

ii. Subsequently, if the employee is found without evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB, a statement documenting examination by a physician shall be on file with the employer (construction contractor), noting that the employee with a positive tuberculin screening test is without evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB.

iii. If the employee is found with evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB, the employee shall require treatment with a subsequent statement to the fact on file with the employer before being allowed to return to work on VHA property.

14. Fire Safety

a. Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a site‐specific fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project‐ specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to

Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with “11. Shop Drawings”

(above). This plan may be an element of the Accident Prevention Plan.

b. Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with

NFPA 241.

c. Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241. For small facilities with less than 6 m (20 feet) exposing overall length, separate by 3m (10 feet).

d. Temporary Construction Partitions:

i. Install and maintain temporary construction partitions to provide smoke‐tight separations between construction areas and adjoining areas. Construct partitions of gypsum board or treated plywood (flame spread rating of 25 or less in accordance with ASTM E84) on both sides of fire retardant treated wood or metal steel studs. Extend the partitions through suspended ceilings to floor slab deck or roof. Seal joints and penetrations. At door openings, install Class C, ¾ hour fire/smoke rated doors with self‐closing devices.

ii. Install two‐hour fire‐rated temporary construction partitions to maintain integrity of existing exit stair enclosures, exit passageways, fire‐rated enclosures of hazardous areas, horizontal exits, smoke barriers, vertical shafts and openings enclosures.

iii. Close openings in smoke barriers and fire‐rated construction to maintain fire ratings. Seal penetrations with listed through‐penetration firestop materials.

e. Temporary Heating and Electrical: Install, use and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70.

f. Means of Egress: Do not block exiting for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads. Minimize disruptions and coordinate with Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority.

g. Egress Routes for Construction Workers: Maintain free and unobstructed egress. Inspect daily. Report findings and corrective actions weekly to Contracting Officer

Representative or Government Designated Authority.

h. Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in construction areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 10.

i. Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with

29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

j. Existing Fire Protection: Do not impair automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems, except for portions immediately under construction, and temporarily for connections. Provide fire watch for impairments more than 4 hours in a

24‐hour period. Request interruptions in accordance with “2. Operations and Storage

Areas” (above), and coordinate with Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority. All existing or temporary fire protection systems (fire alarms, sprinklers) located in construction areas shall be tested as coordinated with the medical center. Parameters for the testing and results of any tests performed shall be recorded by the medical center and copies provided to the COR.

k. Smoke Detectors: Prevent accidental operation. Remove temporary covers at end of work operations each day. Coordinate with Contracting Officer Representative or

Government Designated Authority.

l. Hot Work: Perform and safeguard hot work operations in accordance with NFPA 241 and NFPA 51B. Coordinate with Facility Safety Office. Obtain permits from facility Safety

Office at least 24 hours in advance. Designate contractor's responsible project‐site fire prevention program manager to permit hot work.

m. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect entire construction areas weekly.

Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions weekly to Contracting

Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority.

n. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in and adjacent to all areas of the VA campus.

o. Dispose of waste and debris in accordance with NFPA 241. Remove from buildings daily.

15. Electrical

a. All electrical work shall comply with NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, 29 CFR Part

1910 Subpart J – General Environmental Controls, 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart S –

Electrical, and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K in addition to other references required by contract.

b. All qualified persons performing electrical work under this contract shall be licensed journeyman or master electricians. All apprentice electricians performing under this contract shall be deemed unqualified persons unless they are working under the immediate supervision of a licensed electrician or master electrician.

c. All electrical work will be accomplished de‐energized and in the Electrically Safe Work

Condition ( refer to NFPA 70E for Work Involving Electrical Hazards, including

Exemptions to Work Permit). Any Contractor, subcontractor or temporary worker who fails to fully comply with this requirement is subject to immediate termination in accordance with FAR clause 52.236‐5(c).