COMBINED SYNOPSIS & SOLICITATION...Costa Rica 0920-1200 . Page 2 of 9 SBU - CONTRACTING AND...

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SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

COMBINED SYNOPSIS & SOLICITATION

United States Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica

KM35 Checkpoint Fiscal Police Remodeling

SOLICITATION NO. PR9376087

Issued by:

Embassy of the United States of America

General Services Office

Avenida 0 Calle 120

Pavas, San Jose

Costa Rica 0920-1200

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PR9376087

The Embassy of the United States of America, through the International Narcotics and Law

Enforcement (INL) Affairs Office, and in cooperation with the Fiscal Police and Border Police are

heading a building infrastructure improvement project for the KM 45 Police Control Check Point, for

the benefit of the Fiscal Police and the Border Police on their joined operation.

The overall intent of the contractual effort for this project is to deliver a new furniture equipped and

all systems for a 12m (40ft) container (mechanical, electric and air conditioning systems). Also, the

project includes a new separate women’s bathroom and shower with electrical and mechanical system

(potable and waste water) that includes septic tank and a sanitary pit; remodeling of all the men’s

bathrooms including a tile, showers, toilets, urinals and sink replacement, also supply of new fans and

the replacement of the fans at the kitchen’s area.

As a base for the remodeled container, the project will include the construction of one concrete

platform for the Containers’ patio and the corresponding concrete foundations. The platform for the

patio shall be constructed with 280kg/cm2 concrete reinforced with fiber Ruredil XF-45 or other with

similar or superior feature. The platform shall be constructed according to the site plan and the floor

detail #1 addressed in drawing K-09. The Contractor shall develop all the earthwork and backfilling

in order to reach the respective floor’s levels and details according to the Drawings.

The electrical design is also included in the scope of this project, new electrical derivations must be

designed for the new 12m (40ft) container, the new bathrooms lighting and outlets as well as the new

fans for the existing bathrooms.

The project shall be conducted in accordance with the drawings and specifications detailed in this

document. The Contractor shall perform the following work:

C.1 SPECIFIC TASK

C.1.1 PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF ONE 12m (40ft) CONTAINER

(REFRIGERATED)

The Contractor shall provide and install 1 remodeled container at KM 35 Route 2 Control Check Point

according to the design established in drawings KM-01 to KM-08 and also to the specification C.3.6

detailed in this document:

One container 12m (40 ft) that includes two dormitories for 4 police officers, one desk and chair for

each one of the rooms, and also, one dining room, one refrigerator and one microwave and its furniture

(which will be detailed further ahead in this document).

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The Container must have an electrical power and water supply, it must be underground with all the

PVC conduit ducts and all the electrical boxes requested by the electrical design.

C.1.2 STRUCTURAL CONCRETE SLAB ON GRADE FOR THE 12m (40ft) CONTAINER

The project will include a 10cm cement and granular material, leveling surface prior the concrete slab

on grade 13.50m x 10.71m and thickness of 30cm. The platform for the patio shall be constructed

with 280kg/cm2 concrete reinforced with fiber Ruredil XF-45 or other with similar or superior quality

grade.

C.1.3 NEW EXTERNALS WOMEN’S BATHROOM

A women’s Bathroom must be constructed with dimensions according to drawings. Constructed on

rebar reinforced concrete foundation, beams and columns, rebar reinforced concrete masonry walls,

and mortar surface finish considering fiber reinforced plaster.

The structural roof must be constructed on steel structural pipe (galvanic finish material), all welds

must be protected with anti-rust paint. Structural steel must be square 75mmx75mm and 2.4mm of

thickness.

All ceilings must be Densglass board type with dry wall plaster (including light structure), for the

areas inside and outside the bathroom and shower.

The mechanical and electrical installation must be considered as part of the scope.

All the faucets on the sink must be pedal push type accessory, the sink must be stainless steel type

equal or superior to the model of reference: AIT054 from the Tecnimuebles catalog.

Concrete sidewalk around the perimeter 10cm thick and 1.20m of width.

C.1.4 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING EXISTING BATHROOM REMODELING

The Administrative Building Existing Bathroom remodeling consists in the replacement of all the

floor and wall tiles on the shower, toilet, urinal and sink areas according to drawing KM-09. This

remodeling includes also the replacement of all the toilets, all the urinals, all the showers, all shower

handle faucet and accessories, and also a replacement of all the inside the walls PVC piping in the

area of the existing showers only (potable water piping must be replaced).

Preliminary work includes the implementation of temporary facilities for the workers according to the

specifications detailed in C.3.1.3.

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C.1.9 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM

The contractor shall design and build the electric system to comply the complete requirements

according to the Local Electric Code. This work must be performed under the supervision of a certified

professional (CFIA Member Electric Engineer).

The final connection from the electric supply to the main electric boards shall be as specified using

wiring 3#2 AWG THHN.

The contractor must consider any permits, and their associated costs, required for the completion of

the electrical connection to the power supply.

The electrical design may consist in the derivation from the main board of two new circuits. One

circuit will give the power supply for the new remodeled container and the other will give the power

supply for the new bathroom. Please consider EMT conduit by the building attached and then the

connection point underground.

C.2 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

All work shall be carried out in strict compliance with all contract clauses and these technical

specifications. In the event that the Contractor discovers discrepancies contained in the various

design/technical documents, Contractor must immediately notify the Contracting Officer

Representative (COR) before taking any other action.

C.2.1 TRIALS AND TESTS

Materials, permanent equipment, its accessories and other elements used in the project, shall be

subject to tests necessary to verify their compliance with specifications, properties and characteristics,

in accordance with the specified requirements and tolerances, in line with the use for which they have

been intended.

Materials, equipment, accessories or elements that have not been accepted by the COR (Contracting

Officer Representative), shall be withdrawn from the work site or replaced, at Contractor’s cost.

Laboratory tests can be carried out, according to the specific case, at the work site or in laboratories

previously authorized by the COR. Materials that bear quality certificates issued by ISO or its

equivalent, do not need to be routinely tested. Costs of laboratory trials and tests shall be for the

account of Contractor. The COR shall be able to carry out special trials and tests at any time if it is

needed to clarify the quality of any item.

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C.2.2 WORK EXECUTION

The different items in the construction schedule shall be carried out in a gradual and progressive

manner, without starting any work that could later be affected by other items that have not been

concluded or that lack an adequate support or safety measures, taking care that work that has been

finished is not affected by weather or other elements.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining quality of work by following proper operation

procedures in construction.

Throughout the different stages of construction work, Contractor shall obtain approval, from the COR,

in order to continue with subsequent stages of construction. Before receiving approval to continue

through the various stages, samples of completed work shall be tested to verify the quality of the work.

The Contractor shall provide a construction schedule in which all the works shall be detailed with the

date of performance and delivery.

C.2.3 COST OF THE PROJECT

The Contractor shall include all the costs of the materials, labor, transportation, and materials testing

that will be needed to complete the project and comply with all the specifications stated in this

document.

C.3 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

C.3.1 LAND CLEANING

This clause includes tree trimming work (any required permissions apply) and any shrub, trunk, root,

grass and topsoil layer removal. The aim of this is to clear the area on and around the building’s

footprint that is deemed unsuitable for foundation work or terrain leveling works.

The Contractor shall perform any land clearing, root, tree and vegetation removal, and topsoil and

organic silt elimination when present. Any elements that interfere with the construction work, such

as old foundations, rocks, etc., must be removed by the Contractor. All of the materials removed from

the project’s site, such as topsoil and debris, must be transported by the Contractor and disposed of in

an appropriate place outside the property, which selection, along with any implicit technical and

environmental repercussions, is the Contractor’s responsibility.

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C.3.2 LAYING OUT AND LEVELING

Before construction start, the Contractor shall define the project’s components layout and, if

necessary, construction levels in accordance to the provided drawings. During this same phase the

Contractor must verify all of the drawings information, and correct them if any discrepancy exists

between real, on-site, dimensions and those provided in drawings by the designer.

To comply with these requirements, the Contractor shall provide an expert topographer supported by

precision equipment such as: total stations, levels, measuring tape, and any other required equipment

for layout, alignment and terrain leveling. The use of this equipment will be performed so that

machinery works will not interfere. Any additional alignment or leveling job cost will be the

Contractor’s responsibility.

C.3.2 WARNING SIGNALS:

The Contractor shall provide all the necessary signs and announcements to prevent accidents

according to the safety plan (that include signals for restricted areas, excavation zones, electric risk,

flammable materials, construction zone, danger for general risk) which shall have the approval of the

COR. Signs shall be made of acrylic or galvanized sheets painted with a yellow background and with

red or black letters.

C.3.3 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES: SANITARY FACILITIES & WAREHOUSES

Temporary structures will be implemented in the plot for the Contractor’s personnel, workers. It is

the Contractor’s responsibility to implement offices, warehouses, provisional bathrooms and the

guardhouses required for their own use.

The Contractor will implement provisional sanitary facilities for the personnel, and a guardhouse

with a temporary connection to a potable water and sewage system prior to commencing construction.

One (1) sanitary facility shall be implemented for every 10 workers. The Contractor will be

responsible for cleaning and maintaining these structures.

The materials to be used for these provisional facilities can be of metal, concrete, or wood, as long as

they are secure and provide a private area. Also the Contractor is allowed to rent a place nearby the

location of the project. The COR can demand changes or improvement of the provisional facilities at

any time if he determines that the Contractor is not providing a clean area with sufficient privacy and

safety.

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C.3.4 EARTHWORK, EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING

The work described in this chapter includes excavation and backfilling, as well as carrying, piling up

and removing excavation material necessary for the construction of the building, channels, piping,

and all elements indicated in the project drawings.

C.3.4.1 LEVELING AND CLEARING OF LAND

This section refers to land modifications required for the execution of building construction in

accordance with the project drawings.

To determine final levels, theodolites or precision instruments will be used. If there are considerable

differences with the specifications in the drawings, the COR shall be notified and only through a report

of mutual agreement will the new levels be determined.

The residual material must be removed and placed outside the construction site in places approved

by the local authority.

C.3.4.2 SLOPE CONFIGURATION

For the access road the contractor shall perform a slope configuration (slope of 45°) in both sides of

the road in order to reach the level recommended in the pre-design. This portion of the contract will

be carried out by hand. It consists of giving the slope a slant recommended to avoid sliding of material

or soil. The purpose is also to provide appropriate precipitation drainage, including for very heavy

rainfall.

Once excavation is finished and approved, resulting levels shall be verified to establish the need for

complementary manual work for slope configuration. Location of final slants and levels shall be done

to reach finished surfaces, in accordance with the final designs provided by the Contractor. Material

which is wobbly, cracked, or in danger of sliding shall be removed by the Contractor.

The intersection area of the excavated slope and the natural land surface will be rounded off if

required by the project. This activity, as well as material removal, is part of the slope configuration

portion of the contract.

Disposal of excavation material will be done in places allowed by the beneficiary and or the local

Municipality.

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C.3.4.3 EXCAVATION

Generally, excavation is understood as the removal of volumes of land or other materials for the

purpose of forming spaces for construction, foundations, structures, buildings, roads, etc. Excavation

shall be done according to the heights, limits, elevations, gradients and sections set forth in the

structural, architectural, and sanitary drawings, save for different or real conditions of the project.

During excavation, material satisfactory for backfilling shall be stockpiled in an orderly manner at a

distance from banks of the trench equal to ½ the depth of the excavation, but in no instance closer

than 60 cm. Excavated material not required or not satisfactory for backfill shall be removed from the

site, without affecting the adjacent properties. The material produced from excavation will be

temporarily disposed of on the sides of excavations, so that it will not impede the execution of other

work.

The final excavation that will be performed in the places where specific exterior works made out of

concrete will be built, shall be carried out as close to the pouring of concrete to avoid any alterations

due to bad weather.

In no case shall excavation be performed to a depth in which the soil is loose. If this happens, it will

be considered as an “over excavation” that will be corrected by the contractor according to the

project’s specifications.

If, in the Contractor’s or COR’s opinion, the bottom of the ditch is not strong or is unstable, over-

excavation will be carried out until solid ground is reached, otherwise another solution shall be jointly

agreed upon by the Contractor and the COR.

It is the Contractor’s duty to protect the stability of the adjacent properties while excavation is carried

out. This should be done in a way that guarantees the stability of those buildings without causing any

damage.

Excavation shall be protected against rain, landslides and other excavations. The Contractor will

protect the personnel excavating in ditches and, if for safety reasons it is deemed necessary, the

contractor shall provide timbering and shoring.

This shoring shall be reviewed and approved by the COR, and the Contractor will protect the shoring

and will be removed after the excavation has been performed.

The standards for the provisional shoring in excavations are the following:

a. When assemblages and props are used, these are placed at intervals no greater than 2.50 meters,

measuring the timber lengthwise, and should penetrate the land enough to withstand the push of the

walls in the excavation.

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b. Metallic cribbing shall be used for excavations greater than 5.00 meters deep or when the lateral

push on the excavation walls is great.

c. Whenever the conditions of the land demand so or when the structural drawings states, the

excavation walls will be protected with stakes or projected concrete. This will be subsequently refilled

according to the requirements established for the filling process.

For piping placement in excavation, the filling will be laid as a first step to cover a height of at least

20 cm above the highest part of piping and shall be compressed in accordance with the article of this

section. Excavation will be done from the ditch in accordance with the gradient slope and required

transversal lines for placement of piping as indicated on working drawings.

If, in the Contractor’s or COR’s opinion, the bottom of the ditch is not strong or is unstable, over

excavation (for additional information, see Section C.3.4.4 Over Excavation) will be carried out until

solid ground is reached, otherwise another solution shall be jointly agreed upon by the Contractor and

the COR.

C.3.4.4 OVER EXCAVATION

The term over-excavation, for the purposes of this contract, is understood as excavation outside the

lines and levels set forth in the drawings, the specifications and/or the COR’s instructions.

If over-excavation occurs, removal should go up to the required level, and filled with soil, granular

material or concrete or any other material approved by the COR. Compressing will be done with

adequate water content, in layers that will not exceed a thickness of 15 cm, using an appropriate

mechanical compressor. The compression process shall be done according to the regulations

established by the standards of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation

Officials (AASHTO T-130). The material to be used shall be granular selected material according

AASHTO 145. The Contractor shall not receive any additional payment for over-excavation that

may result from the conditions of the land, the action of natural agents, operations that are executed

to facilitate the construction, and mistakes made by the Contractor.

C.3.4.5 EXCAVATION IN CONGLOMERATE STRATUMS AND ROCK

The process of excavation when hard materials are found which cannot be loosened through ordinary

methods is understood as conglomerate and rock excavation. For this process, the use of shovels,

pickaxes, backhoes, or excavators is not sufficient and explosives, mechanical hammers, wedges, or

sledge hammers or other similar are absolutely necessary.

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If a rock is found in pieces, only fragments greater than 200 cubic decimeters will be considered a

rock. When removing rock or masonry fragments from a ditch is necessary, and if they form clusters

that do not have to be totally extracted in order to erect structures, those pieces excavated within the

presumed boundaries will be considered as rock, although their volume could be smaller than the one

indicated in the above paragraph.

If the bottom of the trench (made to install pipe lines) is made up of conglomerate or rock, excavation

will be carried out up to 0.15 m below the seat of the pipe and it will be filled later with sand and fine

gravel.

When excavation is carried out on fixed rocks, the use of explosives will be allowed, provided that

the Contractor does not alter the land adjacent to the excavation works, and has received prior written

authorization from the COR.

C.3.4.6 EXCAVATION WITH WATER PRESENCE

The presence of water may be caused by water coming from the underground, rainwater, floods,

operation of the construction, sewage, etc.

Excavation cannot be executed in the presence of water, whatever its origin. For this reason, due

precautions and protections must be taken, as construction techniques advice in these cases.

Excavating during the rainy season is prohibited.

When placing stone masonries and/or any structure (e.g. concrete structures), the Contractor will

insure that water is not present in excavations, and that it will remain so until mortar and concrete

have set.

The presence of water makes work more difficult and the safety of personnel and the overall project

is jeopardized. Therefore, the Contractor is required to take due precautions to eliminate water in

excavation sites by using stake boards, cofferdams, pumping, drainage, curbs, etc.

Again, excavation is forbidden during the rainy season. None of the excavations shall have water

present before placing the pipes, and under no circumstance will they be placed under water. The

trenches shall remain dry until the pipes have been totally coupled and the welded junctions are

completely dry.

C.3.4.7 EXCAVATION FOR FOUNDATIONS

This section refers to the depth of the excavation needed for foundations that will be lower than that

marked for cleaning and leveling, down to the depth established by the structural drawings or by

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recommendation of COR. Excavation shall be done in manner best suited for the construction, based

on the structural designs that will follow. The excavation sides will be totally vertical and the bottom

will be clean, free of waste, and correctly leveled.

In no case will machine excavation be performed to a depth in which the soil of the bottom is loosened

or removed. The final material to be excavated must be removed by pickax and shovel to a depth of

50 centimeters, also known as “conforming the plinth or ditch bottom.”

If landslides or collapses due to the depth of excavations or inconsistency of soil happen, shoring

shall be built to prevent further damages or accidents.

Ditches shall remain clean and no work will be executed in them if waste, loose dirt, water, etc. are

found. After casting the foundation and pouring the foundation, the gap caused by excavation shall

be filled and compressed with the extracted soil until reaching the initial level. This work shall meet

the specifications detailed for “compacted backfilling with natural soil” (see Section C.3.4.9.1

Compacted Backfilling with Natural Soil). Leftover material shall be removed or placed as filling if

acceptable by COR.

The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent water from entering excavation sites

awaiting concrete pours. However, if soil deterioration is caused by unforeseen circumstances, the

Contractor will perform necessary studies and analyses of the soil to deepen excavation.

C.3.4.8 REMOVAL OF WASTE AND/OR EXCAVATED MATERIAL

Waste removal is defined as the method of transportation of the materials produced by excavation,

which should have a specifically determined place for disposal approved by the local authority.

When there is an excess material, the Contractor shall remove it and place it outside the area of

construction, where such material will not obstruct watercourses or cause detriment to the neighboring

areas. Excess or waste material shall not be located in properties adjacent to the construction site

unless the Contractor receives written authorization from the owners of such properties, evidence of

which shall be provided to the COR upon request.

The material produced by excavation that will not be used for the construction of the project shall be

removed from the site using heavy mechanical equipment in good condition, without causing vehicle

transit interruption or neighbors’ annoyance.

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C.3.4.9 BACKFILLING

Backfilling is defined at the sections indicated by the project, the existing gaps between structures

and excavations, or between the structures and the natural soil in such a way that any point of the

finished section will remain at a distance greater than 10 centimeters from the corresponding section

of the project.

The backfilling process will be carried out using earth, gravel, sand or rock with approval from the

COR.

Prior to backfilling, the land shall be free of debris, trunks, branches, etc., and in general of all organic

material and all the material that is not appropriate for backfilling. The COR will approve the material

that will be used for backfilling in advance and the material will come from the excavation itself or

other extraction sites.

The backfilling will be done according to the project specifications and according to the lines, levels

and gradients described in the architectonic and structural drawings.

The Contractor is required to obtain, transport and maintain the necessary material for backfilling,

either from the excavation site or from qualified quarries.

Special care will be given by not using the mechanical compactor in areas close to buildings or

existing construction inside or outside of the property. If any damage occurs, this shall be repaired

and costs assumed by the Contractor.

The refill and/or cover of any excavation that contains lines or pipes installations and other services

will not proceed until they have been placed and tested as well as approved and accepted by the COR.

The backfilling for subflooring will be placed and mechanically compacted in beds of 0.20m thick

according to the D698-64Tspecifications of the American Society for testing and Materials (ASTM).

Backfilling with gravel, sand or ground stone for formation of drains or filters shall be consistent

with the grain grading specified in the working drawings; materials will be sieved and washed if

required. For filter formation, the materials will be placed in such a way that the higher grade particles

remain in contact with the structure and the ones with lesser diameters in contact with the natural

terrain, unless otherwise indicated.

The backfilling of rock placement shall be made with fragments of healthy, dense, and exposure-

resistant rocks, with angle formation satisfactory to COR. The minimal size of the stones shall be 20

centimeters, and the maximum determined by the project, always protecting the structure.

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C.3.4.9.1 COMPACTED BACKFILLING WITH NATURAL SOIL

Compacted backfilling with natural soil is defined as placing horizontal layers of the existing soil,

with a thickness of 20 cm, with the humidity that the material requires to get a mechanical compression

to 95% minimum of the density of the Proctor Standard measure. Each layer shall be evenly

compacted on the entire surface by pneumatic rammers or other construction equipment until

obtaining the maximum compression possible with the use of these tools. The material to be used in

this backfilling shall be free of organic residues and waste. Prior to backfilling, the land shall be free

of debris. The COR will approve in advance the material that will be used in the backfilling process.

The compression process shall be done according to the standards of the American Association of

State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO T-130).

If the approved material for this backfilling is not enough to reach the levels specified in the project

design, the Contractor shall complete the volume needed, with granular material according to the

specification for “Compacted backfilling with granular material.”

The Contractor shall carry out laboratory tests to guarantee the compliance with the aforementioned

specifications and the cost of these tests will be assumed by the Contractor.

C.3.4.9.2 COMPACTED BACKFILLING WITH GRANULAR MATERIAL

Compacted backfilling with granular material is defined as placing horizontal layers of sub-base to a

thickness of 20 cm. Each layer will be compacted evenly on its entire surface by pneumatic rammers

or heavy construction equipment until obtaining the maximum compression possible with the use of

these tools. Compaction shall be carried out using sheepsfoot rollers, pneumatic-tried rollers, steel-

wheeled rollers, vibratory compactors, or other approved equipment. The thickness of the backfilling

shall be in accordance with the structural and architectonic detailed drawings. Prior to backfilling, the

land shall be free of debris. The COR will approve in advance the material that will be used in the

backfilling process.

The compression process shall be done according to the standards of the American Association of

State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Compacting shall be have a 95% of the

maximum density (Proctor Test). The material to be used shall be granular selected material

according AASHTO 145 (A1, A2, A3).

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C.3.5 CONCRETE STRUCTURES

C.3.5.1 MATERIALS FOR CONCRETE

C.3.5.1.1 Cement

Cement is any powder-like material that mixed with a liquid, forms a binding paste capable of

hardening, in time, both under water as well as in free air and which serves to join solid bodies. It

must comply with the ASTM standards, specification C 150.

The Contractor shall provide adequate facilities for the storage and protection of the cement against

humidity. Cement that for any reason is partially dried or has clods is unacceptable. The Contractor

will not use rejected cement or previously used bags of cement.

Portland Standard cement of national production will be used and should comply with ASTM

specifications and be accepted by the corresponding entities. The use of foreign cements is acceptable

in case national cement is unavailable, as long as these foreign cements comply with the same basic

requirements. All cement shall comply with the regulation RTCR 383:2004 (“Reglamento Técnico de

Costa Rica”). The use of different brands of cements is not recommended at all when building one

single structure or foundation.

The manufacturer might decide to add additives during the cement manufacturing process, which is

acceptable if those materials, in the amounts to be used, meet the requirements of ASTM standards.

The cement must be stored in a completely dry and ventilated place, under cover, and placed on wood

pallets. No more than 14 bags of cement should be placed on top of each other and the cement should

not be stored for long periods of time.

If Portland cement has been stored in bulk for over 6 months, or has been stored in bags for over 3

months, the cement should be sampled, tested and must meet the appropriate requirements, before

being used. Cement shall meet the tests listed in the previous paragraph, and correspond to ASTM

and AASHTO standards:

TYPE OF TEST

a) Chemical analysis

b) Grain fineness

c) Setting time

d) Normal consistency

e) Resistance to compression

f) Resistance to flexion

g) Resistance to pulling forces

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If the test results do not fulfill specified requirements, the cement will be rejected.

If there are several types of cement, these should be stored separately and correctly identified so that

they are not mixed.

C.3.5.1.2 Gravel Stone Aggregates

Gravel stone aggregates for concrete will be made up of gravel, crushed rocks, or a combination of

these, and shall meet the requirements of the American Concrete Institute ACI, AASHTO and ASTM

standards.

Concrete will use mechanically ground rocks, from andesitic sources, preferably made out of blue

rocks.

Gravel stones used for the manufacturing of any type of concrete shall be the product of mechanical

grinding; the use of natural material extracted from a quarry is not allowed. This material shall

preferably be blue stone and shall have passed through a 4 cm sieve, as specified in the ASTM

standard.

The Contractor shall assure availability on the work site of the required quantity of gravel stone that

will be used for mixing concrete, fills, filters, transition zones, drains, etc.

The Contractor shall use gravel without impurities, organic matter and other harmful elements. It

shall be thoroughly washed before use. Tile-shaped or long- shaped gravel is not allowed.

The thick aggregate that shall be used for concrete elaboration will consist of hard rock fragments

with a diameter not less than 5 millimeters, dense and long-lasting, free of objectionable quantities of

dust, soil, slates, alkalis, organic material, vegetable soil, mica and other harmful substances.

Round-shaped gravel that has been manually crushed or gravel from natural quarries, as long as it

has a cubic or pyramidal shape, may be used. Gravel with over 15% of flat or long-shaped rocks will

not be used.

The production and storage of gravel shall be done by dividing the gravel into three separate groups

according to the maximum nominal size of the gravel and the following requirements:

SIEVE PERCENTAGE OF MASS PASSING SAUARE MESH SIEVES (square openings) No.4 to

3/4"(19 mm) 3/4" to 11/2"(38mm) 11/2 to 2" (76mm) 3" (76 mm) 90-100 2" (50 mm) 100 20- 55

11/2" (38 mm) 90-100 0- 10 1" (25 mm) 100 20- 45 0- 5 3/4(19mm) 90-100 0- 10 3/8(10mm)

30- 55 0- 5 No. 4(4.8mm) 0-5

All components added to Portland cement concrete shall meet the requirements regarding particle

size standards according to ASTM C136-06 and to the regulations of INTECO (Instituto de Normas

Técnicas de Costa Rica).

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The ASTM standard requires particle sizing tests to verify their sizes. This will also be confirmed by

the Contractor.

The specific gravity of particles shall be determined according to the testing method specified by the

ASTM standard.

The following are the maximum allowable percentages (expressed as percentages of the sample

weight) of foreign substances and determining factors of added components.

COARSELY-GRAINED COMPONENTS % OF THE TOTAL WEIGHT Firmness, sodium sulphate,

losses after five cycles: 12.00 Abrasion – Los Angeles test (losses): 35.00 Material that passes through

sieve number 200: 0.50

Clay: 0.25 Coal and lignite: 0.25 Soft or lightweight particles: 2.00 other substances: 1.00

The amount of harmful substances in gravel stone shall not exceed the limits specified by the ASTM

standard for this component.

The use of premixed concrete produced by companies that have certificates proving the use of high-

quality materials is recommended. Specifically, the company must support its decision to use certain

materials based on their resistance, which cannot be lower than the one specified in the structural

design.

C.3.5.1.3 Fine-Grained Sand

Fine-grained sand for concrete should be comprised of natural sand, sand from grinding processes

(gravel), or a combination of both.

The sand should be clean, siliceous (quartz or granite sand), from mines or from other inert materials

with similar characteristics. The sand should be made up of hard, angular and rough grains, which

should be strong and free from soft particles, organic material, shale or slate. Clayish, soft or

disintegrating sands must not be used. Likewise, finely-grained sand with a humidity of over 8% must

not be used.

The requirements regarding particle sizing shall meet the INTECO and ASTM standard, i.e. arid

elements for concrete. The fineness module shall be less than 2.4 and greater than 3.1. After the

particle size has been established, the fineness of the sand module is to remain stable, with variations

of at most ± 0.2. In the event the variation is outside of the defined range, the COR shall review to

determine whether another combinations must be produced. If there are no satisfactory results, this

material must be rejected.

The material shall meet the following tests:

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The ASTM C136-06 standard specifies the particle sizing tests to be undertaken to verify their sizes.

The specific gravity of sand particles will be determined according to the testing method specified by

the ASTM standard. The weight per unit of sand particles will be determined according to the testing

method specified by the ASTM standards for concrete.

The fine-grained arid component must not contain harmful or organic matter. To verify this, the

testing method specified by the ASTM standard shall be used. If it is darker than the standard, it must

be rejected.

Fine-grained sand that was rejected due to organic impurities can still be used if the discoloring is

mainly caused by small amounts of coal, lignite, or similar discrete particles. It may also be accepted

if, after running tests to determine the effect of organic impurities on the resistance of concrete, the

relative resistance, after a seven-day period, according to the ASTM standard, is not lower than 95%.

Fine-grained sand to be used in concrete that will be exposed to water, to prolonged exposure to

environmental humidity, or contact with soil humidity, should not have materials that might react

adversely to the alkali of cement and whose amounts are such that an excessive expansion of concrete

might take place. If these materials are present in harmful amounts, fine-grain sand can be used,

provided that the cement will have less than 0.6% alkali estimated based on the amount of sodium

oxide.

Fine-grain sand submitted to 5 immersive and drying cycles for the test to measure the resistance to

disintegration (the ASTM standard) must have a mass loss of less than 10% if sodium sulfate is used

and less than 15% if magnesium sulfate is used. Finely-grained sand that does not meet these standards

may be used provided that concrete with similar features, made from similar sand from the same

source, has produced satisfactory results when exposed to similar weather conditions to the ones to

which the concrete with those characteristics will be exposed.

All fine-grain sand used for tests shall meet the sampling requirements established by the ASTM

standard. The amount of harmful substances in fine-grain sand shall not exceed the limits specified

by the ASTM standard.

The following are the maximum allowable percentages (expressed as percentages of the sample

weight) of foreign substances and determining factors of added components.

FINELY GRAINED SAND % OF THE TOTAL WEIGHT Material that passes through sieve number

200 3.00 Clays and disintegrating particles 0.50 Coal and lignite 0.25

Other harmful substances 2.00 Maximum allowable total 4.00

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The amount of harmful substances in fine-grained sand shall not exceed the limits specified by norms

ASTM standard and INTECO (Instituto de Normas Técnicas de Costa Rica) for fine-grained sand.

C.3.5.1.4 Large Stones for Cyclopean Concrete (Rip-Rap Concrete)

The large stone for cyclopean concrete shall come from quarries or collection banks that must be

clean, granitoid or sandstone. Stones of between 10cm to 25cm in diameter shall be used for this type

of concrete. The stone shall not exceed more than 50% of the concrete component. The stone will be

solid, resistant and long-lasting, and free of organic matter or clay residues. It will be homogeneous,

with uniform color and will be free of cracking or crevices (clear sound to hammering), or other flaws

that would reduce its strength.

Any weathered stone (affected by meteoric phenomena) must be rejected. It must have a density

equal to or greater than 12% on durability assays.

The size of the stones shall not surpass 25% of the smallest dimension on the structure to be built.

The Contractor shall note that humidity reduces the strength of concrete, and for this reason porous

stone assays shall be done by a saturation process without localized efflorescence.

Upon request from the COR or Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall provide the results of tests

and assays used to verify the good condition and quality of the aggregate, taking into consideration

the norms specified by ASTM and INTECO for this particular case:

Coarse arid materials for concrete. Determines the abrasion value of the coarse arid material for

particles greater than 19 mm, using the Angeles abrasion machine. Arid materials for concrete.

Determines strength to disintegration.

Transportation will be in bulk and precautionary measures will be taken so that during loading and

unloading deterioration is not caused by touching one against the other. Covered storage is not

necessary, but the Contractor must insure that the material will not become saturated with dust and

other material that can lower its strength.

C.3.5.2 TYPES OF CONCRETE

This section addresses the necessary materials, equipment and labor to make plain concrete.

Concrete is the hardened product resulting from the mix of the Portland cement, water and stony

aggregates in adequate proportions. It can contain additives to provide it with specific or special

properties.

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Cyclopean Concrete (Rip-rap):

Cyclopean concrete shall be constructed with a mixture of a 60% plain concrete and 40% large stones

(variable size between 10 and 25 centimeters). The plain concrete to be used in this job shall have a

minimum resistance of 180 kg/cm² on the 28th day, and the materials shall be saturated before creating

the mixture. Stony materials will comply with the ASTM standard and dosage will be according to

concrete design. In the first step, the Contractor shall apply a plain concrete layer of 15 centimeter

depth and subsequently a layer of stone shall be placed manually on top. The spaces between the

stones will not be less than 5 centimeters in any of the rows and from structure edges. The next step

is to place another layer of plain concrete and the same procedure is followed until the desired height

is reached. The dosage varies in accordance with the structure needs described in the respective

drawings.

Plain Concrete:

Plain concrete results from mixing coarse, arid materials of up to 5 cm. in diameter (nominal) and

fine, arid materials joined by a paste of water and cement (see specification under Section C.3.5.1

Grave Stone Aggregates, and “fine-grained sand” under Section C.3.5.1 Fine-Grained Sand).

To obtain good, uniform, strong, long-lasting and cheap concrete, the following items should be

closely monitored:

• Material quality

• Dosage of components

• Management, placing and concrete setting

The proportion of water and cement must be tested for appropriate dosage and should include the

following data points:

• Degree of humidity of aggregates

• Climate of the work area

• Use of additives

• Conditions for concrete exposure; and

• Thickness and type of planking

The dosage of plain concrete varies in accordance with the type of work that it’s going to be used on:

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DOSAGE STRENGTH (Kg/cm²)

USE 1: 3 : 6 180 Concrete thick walls of larger thickness, pavements, first concrete layers, floors and

anchors for pipes.

1 : 2 : 4 210 Non-voluminous walls and jobs of reinforced concrete in general. (retaining walls)

1 : 1,5 : 4 280 Hydraulic jobs in general

Another factor that has influence in concrete design and its final quality is the water-cement ratio,

which has to be as low as possible. This will ensure that concrete always has the conditions of

impermeability, and allows for handling and workability in accordance with each purpose.

In order to obtain the appropriate concrete resistance the Contractor shall be consider at the concrete

design process, the quality of the materials and the conditions for the curing procedures in order to

ensure a low water cement ratio.

STRONG TO:

CONCRETE WITHOUT AIR INCORPORATOR

CONCRETE WITH AIR INCORPORATOR

THE SPECIFIED COMPRESSION f'c (Kg/cm²)

ABSOLUTE RELATION BY WEIGHT

LITERS PER BAG OF CEMENT

ABSOLUTE RELATION BY WEIGHT

LITERS PER BAG OF CEMENT

175 0,65 32,40 0,54 37,00 210 0,58 29,30 0,46 23,00 245 0,51 25,70 0,40 20,00 280 0,44 22,20 0,35

17,70 315 0,38 19,10 0,30 15,10 350 0,31 15,10 ** ** Strength at 28th day for the cement to meet the

strength limits of the ASTM regulations norm, Type I, IA, II or IIA; and strength at 7 days for cements

Type III o IIIA. With the majority of the materials, the given water-cement ratio, provides average

strength higher than the indicated. ** The concrete mix dosage for strength greater than 300 Kg/cm²

with air incorporator.

The concrete shall be mix by mechanical vibration, except for small amounts (less that 100 kg) that

can be mixed by hand. The dosage will be made by weight, using a platform scale that allows putting

a wheelbarrow of aggregate on it.

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The concrete prepared in a mechanical vibration will be mixed at least for the time indicated in the

following table:

CAPACITY OF THE CONCRETE MIXER m3

MIXING TIME Min

0 – 1.50 1.5 1.50 – 2.30 2 2.30 – 3.00 2.5 3.00 – 3.80 3.75 3.80 – 4.00 4.75

The machine will give at least 60 revolutions in the indicated times.

Concrete will be discharged completely before the mixer will be loaded again. The mixer will have

to be cleaned up at regular intervals while being used and will have good mechanical maintenance.

When the concrete is mixed by hand; the sand and the cement will be mixed in a dry basis until it gets

a uniform color. The rubble or split stone will be extended in a platform of wood or metal forming a

layer of uniform width; adding humidity and then adding the dry mortar. The mix will be mixed with

shovel, until it becomes completely homogeneous.

Under normal conditions of operation, the changes in the consistence as indicated in the settlement

test will be used as indicators of change in the characteristics of the materials, the ratios or the water

content. To avoid mixes too dense or too fluid, the settlement tests shall follow the following

guidelines stated in the chart below:

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION

SLUMP (mm) MAXIMUM MINIMUM Concrete foundations, walls and plinths 127 50 Plinths

without framework, melting boxes and walls over structures. 100 25 Slab stones, beams and concrete

walls 152 76 Pillars for buildings 152 76 Pavements 76 50 Construction of heavy masses 76 25

The setting tests will be done before the placement of concrete additives.

When concrete does not reach the strength for compression (cracking load) for which it was designed

within 28 days it will be necessary to improve the quality of the aggregates or to create a new design

in a material strength test lab.

Test for concrete:

Consistence tests will be made in the first stops until the outflow conditions of the mix are stabilized.

In case there are changes in the humidity conditions of the aggregates or weather changes, if the

process of transportation from the cement mixer to the foundation site is too long, or is subject to

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considerable evaporation, field testing shall be performed. The tests will have to be done with the

required frequency as follows:

• The compression strength tests will be done based in the ASTM specifications for cylindrical molds.

Two cylinders for each 30m3 of poured concrete will be taken at least, one that will be tested seven

(7) days later and the other twenty eight (28)days. The results of the first test will be useful to analyze

the job conditions, mix, materials, curing period and the relationship with the final strength to be

achieved, with the objective of facilitating its control.

The result is valid when several tests and an average of the series of tested cylinders has been taken,

which cannot be distorted or defective.

When the average of results of the cylinders is taken in a day, tested for seven days, and it does not

meet 80% of the compressive strength, an additional drying period for a maximum lapse of 14 days

will be ordered; additionally, structure tests will be required and shall be submitted to the COR.

In the event that tests show that that concrete does not meet the specified quality, the structure must

be reinforced or replaced, either totally or partially, in accordance with the case, then the Contractor

shall proceed to create a new design for the next structures.

Transportation and handling:

Concrete will be transported from the concrete mixer to the site, using methods that prevent or reduce

to a minimum separation and material losses. The equipment shall be of an appropriate design and

size to assure concrete flow at the delivery site.

Discharge trucks (mixer) will have to avoid the segregation of components. Their surface will have

to be smooth (preferable metal) to avoid filtering and overflows.

Concrete will not be located at heights greater than one meter above the plank molding or foundation

bottom, when required to drain the concrete from a major height; special devices to prevent

segregation will be used.

C.3.5.3 ADDITIVES

Additives will be used on concrete to improve one or several of its qualities, as well as the following:

Improving workability, reducing material segregation, air incorporation, acceleration of the drying

process, retard the drying process, waterproofing and thickening of concrete.

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In any case, the use of different additives will be done only with the prior written authorization of the

COR, and observing the dosage recommendations from manufacturer. Additives for concrete shall

be from recognized manufacturers that meet all the standards set for by ASTM and INTECO

regulations for chemical additives and air reducing additives for concrete.

Water reducing, retarding, and accelerating additives must comply with the "Specifications for

Chemical Additives for Concrete" (ASTM–C–490) and all other requirements described in it, except

the infrared analysis.

C.3.5.4 FORMWORK

It will be understood as formworks the volumetric shapes which are made with pieces of wood, metal

or any other resistant material, so as to support the emptying of concrete, in order to mold it to the

foreseen shape.

The formworks generally built in wood, shall be sufficiently strong to resist the pressure, resulting

from the emptying and vibration of concrete, to be rigidly supported in their correct position and

sufficiently waterproof as to avoid the loss of slurry.

To build the different concrete sections, contractor shall use metallic or timber formworks according

to the measures that are detailed in the structural drawings. The design and engineering of the

formwork as well as its construction shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Formwork design shall be submitted to the COR prior to the first concrete placement.

Forms shall be properly aligned, adequately supported, and tight. The form surface shall be smooth

and free from irregularities, dents, sags, or holes when used for permanently exposed faces. All

exposed joints and edges shall be chamfered, unless otherwise indicated.

Forms for exposed surfaces shall be coated with a non-staining form oil, which shall be applied

shortly before concrete is placed.

Formworks shall not be removed before the expiration of 24 hours after concrete placement except

where otherwise specifically authorized. Also, in the case of concrete slabs, the formworks shall not

be removed before the expiration of 21 days after concrete placement, except if contractor has used

additives for its construction and has verified the appropriate concrete’s resistance trough a concrete

test. Supporting forms and shoring shall not be removed until the concrete has cured for at least 5

days. When conditions on the work are such as to justify the requirement, forms will be required to

remain in place for longer periods.

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C.3.5.5 CURING MATERIALS

Beginning immediately after placement and continuing for at least 7 days, all concrete shall be cured

and protected from premature drying, extremes in temperature, rapid temperature change, freezing,

mechanical damage, and exposure to rain or flowing water. All materials and equipment needed for

adequate curing and protection shall be available and at the site of the placement prior to the start of

the concrete placement. Preservation of moisture for concrete surfaces not in contact with forms shall

be accomplished by one of the following methods:

Continuous sprinkling or ponding. Application of absorptive mats or fabrics kept continuously wet.

Application of sand kept continuously wet. Application of impervious sheet materials, ASTM C 171.

Application of membrane-forming curing compound, ASTM C 309, type –D or 2, Class A.

If formworks area removed prior to the end of the required curing period, other curing methods shall

be used for the balance of the curing period. During the period of protection removal, the temperature

of the air in contact with the concrete shall not be allowed to drop more than 15 degrees C within a

24 hour period.

C.3.5.6. WATER

The water to be used to make the concrete shall be potable, and shall not have organic or poisonous

materials or oils, or harmful substances such as acids and salts. The water shall meet the requirements

of the INTECO standard and the Costa Rican Construction Regulation. Potable water: Requirements.

The water to be used to cure concrete shall meet the same requirements of the water used for mixing.

C.3.5.7 CONCRETE SPECIFICATIONS

C.3.5.7.1 First Concrete Layer for Structures (F’c = 180 Kg/Cm²)

The first layer of plain concrete generally has low strength (minimum f’c = 180 Kg/cm²), except for

those that specify the opposite according to the structural design, and in the respective drawings. The

first concrete layer is used as the support base of structural elements and/or pipes that do not need the

plank molding. In accordance with the specifications indicated in the structural working drawings or

COR's approval.

The surface, on which the first concrete layer will be placed, will have to be totally leveled, dry and

free of foreign material that can cause detriment to the element characteristics. Placement of concrete

had to be done with the thickness specified in the working drawings and poured from a height not

greater than one meter.

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Contractor shall do permanent checkups in accordance with the work plan, or the schedule for

concrete.

When pre-mixed concrete is required, supplier shall be informed of the required specifications prior

to purchase and COR will verify the conditions of concrete at delivery time.

To confirm the quality of the concrete, the Contractor shall perform all the requirements described

above under “test for concrete”. Also if the COR’s requires additional tests to verify the concrete

quality, this shall be performed by the Contractor without any additional cost to the contract.

C.3.5.7.2 Concrete for Foundations (F’c = 280 Kg/Cm²)

Concrete for foundations shall have a determined strength (f’c = 280 Kg/cm²) that is used for plinths,

shoe soles, slabs or foundation beams specified in the structural working drawings, forming the

structural base of the project. This includes the processes of manufacturing, draining, and setting of

concrete.

Manufacturing of plain concrete shall be done at the work site, shall have strength of 210 Kg/cm²,

and shall be controlled for optimum quality by the Contractor.

It shall be placed in layers of a thickness that may facilitate its handling, adequate vibration and the

concrete compacting while being poured.

The Contractor shall be cautious and conscientious of correct positioning and leveling of reinforcing

steel at the moment of pouring the concrete, when mechanical compression continues while concrete

areas are being completed, leveling with metal or wooden shore props. In cases such as this, the

lateral plank molding shall be removed, considering the drying time of the concrete, to prevent

detachment of edges in plinths and/or beams in accordance with the case. If these situations occurred,

immediate repair shall be executed using mortar with similar characteristics to that concrete used and

with the necessary additives to insure repair.

For each case of concrete foundation, the Contractor shall have to develop permanent checkouts in

accordance with the job’s planning, or the concrete work schedule.

If pre-mixed concrete will be used, the supplier shall be informed of the required specifications prior

to purchase, and conjointly with COR shall verify the conditions of concrete at delivery time, at job

site. To confirm the quality of the concrete, the Contractor shall perform all the requirements

described above under “test for concrete” (see Section C.4.3.2 Types of Concrete). Also, if the COR

requires additional test to verify the concrete quality, this shall be performed by the Contractor without

any additional cost to the contract.

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C.3.5.7.3 Concrete for Slabs (F’c = 280 Kg/Cm²)

Concrete for slabs consists of supplying all necessary materials, equipment and labor, to make, pour

and cure plain concrete of f’c= 280 kg/cm2 in the lighten slabs of the floor structure and/or cover, in

the dimensions indicated in the structural working drawings.

The formworks shall meet the shape and dimensions of the slabs according to the structural drawings.

The floor shall be perfectly leveled. Formworks for the slabs should have a counter arrow of 2 per

thousand in its corresponding lights; levels shall be verified by the contractor before the concrete is

placed. Formworks shall be reinforced or tied with eucalypt props, wood of the area, or metal, so

that they can preserve their shape and position. The ducts, anchorages and other accessories immersed

and set in concrete should be located with precision and strongly tied with wire before concrete mix

is poured.

Over the moistened and leveled formwork, the lighten blocks shall be placed, once this elements are

in position, the reinforcement shall be built over wooden bridges, which will be removed once steel

is tied. Finally all the required pipes for sanitary, electric and/or special systems shall be placed and

tied according to the respective project’s drawings. All the pipes and installations shall be tested to

detect possible installation flaws before the concrete is placed. They will be perfectly covered to avoid

concrete penetration inside them and cause their obstruction. The pipes shall be installed in such a

way that these will not cause slides, folds or displacement outside its adequate location.

The reinforcing steel shall be folded and adjusted to the structural working drawings. It shall be

separated from the formworks in accordance with the specific distance established in the working

drawings, using shims or steel rod pieces.

Once reinforcement steel is armed, the concrete slab shall be set. Once started, concrete pouring shall

be done in a continuous operation until all the surface area is covered to the height desired. When

concrete is poured over these elements it cannot be done from a height greater than 1 meter.

Concrete pouring in concrete slab, shall be done starting from its longitudinal extremes with a

direction to center ways in order to avoid the possible effects of retraction from drying.

Vibration will be applied to concrete immediately after deposit, and will be done through the mix,

vibrating carefully around the frames, the lighten blocks, borders and formwork’s angles, until the

plastic mass is reduced.

Contractor shall do permanent checkups in accordance with the work plan, or schedule.

When pre mixed concrete is required, supplier will inform of the required specifications prior to

purchase and COR will verify the conditions of concrete at delivery time.

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To confirm the quality of the concrete, Contractor shall perform all the requirements described above

under “test for concrete” Also, if the COR requires additional test to verify the concrete quality, this

shall be performed by the Contractor without any additional cost to the contract.

When the design requires a reinforcement with other products like RUREDIL XF-54 the contractor

shall follow the design detailed in drawings and according to the manufacturer recommendations.

C.3.6 METALLIC STRUCTURES

The construction and placing of the metallic structure must be according the following specifications:

AISC, AISI, ASTM and AWS. The Contractor shall ensure that the construction has the same quality

as used in modern metallic structures hard wears.

For the structural design with Cold-rolled frames, ATSM A370-77 shall be applied. The minimum

effort FY shall be 2400kg/cm2, with a twist percent in a test tube as follow: for of 8.0 inches no less

than 7%, and for 2.0 inches no less than 10%.

All the different steel sections that are part of the metallic structure should be cleaned and aligned

according to the design. Each piece shall be properly placed according to the structural drawings, and

shall be checked to ensure the correct alignment and to provide safety assurance. Material that is not

aligned, or that does not meet with safety and security standards, must be rejected automatically and

replaced.

C.3.6.1 Welded Connections

The size of the fillet weld along the corners of the connected parts must be equal to the thickness of

the connected part whenever it is less than ¼ of inches (6.35 mm), and up to 1/16 inches (3.17mm)

less than the thicker part whenever it is of more than ¼ inches.

Whenever it is possible, weld shall lap for finishing the fillet weld, which should not exceed in size

twice the thickness of the fillet itself. These turning points are used to reduce the effort, especially for

eccentric connection.

The minimum length of the fillet weld must be 4 times the nominal size of the fillet. If the real length

of the weld is minor to this value then the width of the effective weld must be reduced by a quarter of

its size.

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The electrode to be used is E7013 of 1/8, 3/16, and ¼ as required. This electrode with low use of

nitrogen, guarantees the quality of the work to be done.

The welded techniques, the confection, the finishes and quality, as the methods used, must follow the

Section 3 “Workmanship” and Section 4 “Technique” of the Structural Welding Code, AWS D1.1-

77 (American Welding Society).

All structures to be welded must be clear of rust, dust and other wastes.

The preparation of sharp-edges by gas cutting, if practicable, shall be performed by mechanical guided

torch. The parts to be welded must be nearly in contact, but in no case shall be separated by more than

3/16 of inch (3.17mm). The separation between surfaces, splicing of the pieces to be joined, should

not exceed 1 / 16 inch.

When a joint between different elements does not require a complete welding, the surfaces in contact

shall be assembled and sealed with the paint process in such manner that the area is waterproofed.

The pieces to be welded must be carefully aligned, and shall be corrected by the Contractor when

there is a misalignment greater than 1 / 8 of an inch. In correcting, the pieces shall not have a slope

greater than two degrees (7 / 16 inches by 12 inches). The work shall be done with flat welding when

it is possible and practical. The procedure and sequence of the welding in the assembly and joining of

the structure’s parts must be such as to prevent distortion and minimize torque.

The work to be performed shall be perfectly anchored using secure supports during the welding

process in order to control distortion. Before the procedure is done, the distortion should be controlled

by the angular calculation and twist of each piece.

C.3.6.1 Screwed Connections

For connections and supporting points, the Contractor shall use medium carbon steel screws of high

resistance according to ASTM A325 (SAE 5), with a minimum effort of rupture of 7381 kg/cm2, type

1. The holes used for the screws shall be of 1/16 inch larger than the diameter of the screw itself.

Holes can be puncture or drilled, but shall be completely cylindrical, except for the slotted holes at

the mobile supports.

The contact surfaces of screwed connections and all its accessories shall be totally clean and waste

free in order to obtain a uniform connection.

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C.3.6.2 Anchors

Contact surfaces between concrete elements (columns and beams) and metal elements in which the

structure will be supported, shall have a satisfactory finish so that there is a uniform transmission of

efforts from the metallic elements to the concrete.

The anchors shall be done according drawing details.

During the concrete work, anchors that need to be installed according to the structural drawings shall

be continuously verified to ensure the correct positioning.

C.3.6.3 Painting of Metallic Structure

All steel work shall be completely cleaned of scales, rust, slag, splatter or oil flows and other materials

that would inhibit performing a perfect paint job. All the metallic structures shall have two layers of

antirust paint to protect it, and two extra layers of enamel paint. The paint work should be done evenly,

paying special attention to joints and other open spaces. The paint must be applied over all visible

structures, and on dry surfaces. All the faults that occur in transporting or assembling the metallic

structure shall be corrected on site by the Contractor.

C.3.6.4 Gas Cutting Procedures

It is allowable to cut the materials with a blow torch if the tension is greater than the specified in the

structural designs, and checked afterwards to avoid any extra slice or pieces not flattened by the

procedure.

C.3.6.5 Manufacture and Mounting

For the manufacturing and mounting of the metallic structure, which shall be according to the

structural design, the Contractor shall perform all of the necessary operations to cut, fold, weld, and

paint. The purpose is to have available a structure made with structural cold formed steel sections,

made from bent metal sheets. The Contractor is responsible for the provision, manufacturing and

mounting of said structure in accordance with the working drawings and project specifications. The

Contractor shall present a manufacturing and mounting plan to the COR before this portion of the

work is started COR approval of the plan is required, which shall also include all the safety and quality

standards. In 29 this plan, the Contractor shall include the technique that will be used in the mounting

process according to the best engineering practice that is possible to be performed.

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C3.7 MASONRY

Applicable publications

For those work aspects related to masonry the following standards will apply, in their current version:

● ASTM C33-86, C56 91, C129 85, C270-86b and C476-83 standards.

● Costa Rica Seismic Code 2010 (CSCR-10)

C3.7.1 Handling and Storage

Concrete Masonry Units (CMU), must be handled with care to avoid general breakage and blunted

corners. The units will be stored in conditions previously approved by the COR, so that they will be

guarded against the elements, including soil action, nevertheless enough ventilation must be provided

below the units. Stowages will be laid out so that hits caused by any other construction activity are

avoided. They will be protected, before the project start, with covers so that rainwater contact is

avoided.

Cement, or any other mortar material used in combination with masonry, will stored in such a way

that deterioration and foreign material mixing is prevented

C3.7.2 Concrete Masonry Units

CMU’s will be made with Portland cement and adequate aggregates such as river sand, gravel or

crushed stone. The dimensions and types will comply with the drawing’s specification, which are

necessary for a satisfactory work completion. The units will be in good shape, crack free, without dull

corners, and without any defect which could affect its appearance or durability. Units with an exposed

finished or simply painted, will have the same appearance between each other.

Any deleterious material, which could affect the plaster or corrode reinforcement steel, inside the

CMU’s will be avoided.

CMU’s will be cured following the above specified procedure, and must comply with the ASTM C-

129 standard. They must have the following main characteristics:

• The main planes must perpendicular between each other, having parallel sides and sharp edges.

• Their color and texture must be uniform, and its surfaces will not have any cracks.

• Its minimum compressive strength shall be 45 kg/cm2 over its gross area.

• A minimum 30 day curing will be done before placement.

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C3.7.3 CMU Mortar

Mortar for CMU placement will be machine mixed or mixed manually using a wooden pan, but never

mixed directly on the ground or in finished concrete surfaces. The ratio used for mortar preparation

shall be submitted by the Contractor to the COR to request an approval, using the necessary water for

consistency and workability of the mixture.

It will be prepared using cement (preferably ASTM C-91 S Type), sand and water. These materials

can be combined homogenously in a ratio of 1 part cement and four parts sand, unless otherwise noted.

No mortar that has started its setting process will be allowed to be remixed and used in any job.

C3.7.4 Sand

Any sand used will consist of clean, durable, and hard grains free of any dust, organic matter, salt,

alkali or any other particle which could affect its performance. All of the above ASTM C33, class 1N

and 2N compliant.

C3.7.5 Water

Water will be clean, fresh and free of any alien substance, including oils, acids, alkali or organic

matter.

C3.7.6 Concrete Fill

When concrete fill is required, its strength will be, at minimum, of 175 kg /cm2 with a 16 mm

maximum diameter.

C3.7.7 General CMU walls

Any details presented in the structural drawings apply over the following general description:

● In walls using confined masonry, reinforced concrete elements must be used to confine the walls.

Confined wall spans will have maximum dimensions of 3 m for length and 2.5 m for height.

Confinement elements are defined as tie or crown beams and columns placed in corners or wall

intersections.

● Confinement elements, including beams and columns, will have a 20 cm x 20 cm minimum section

but always having the same thickness of the wall which it is confining. Longitudinal reinforcement

will consist of 4 # 3 bars, with #2 stirrups @ 20 cm, except otherwise noted.

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● Unless drawings indicate otherwise, when a masonry wall has integral reinforcement, said

reinforcement will be placed inside the CMU’s cells at each side of a window or door opening,

consisting of # 3 vertically placed bars @ 60 cm, for 15 cm thick walls. Horizontal reinforcement will

be placed between CMU rows, using #3 bars @ 40 cm. When the walls are supported by concrete

slabs, 30 cm long and 60 cm tall # 3 angles will be placed before casting the slab, so that the wall’s

reinforcement can be easily spliced.

Mortar Preparation and CMU Cell Filling

C3.7.8 General

Cementitious materials must be delivered to the work site in a standard package. The necessary cement

mixed for each casting job shall be used, never allowing more than 45 minutes of exposure before

using. Adding water or more cement to the mix, in order to extend its life will not be allowed.

Hardened mixes will be appropriately discarded.

C3.7.9 Dosage

Dosage must be done by volume using a ratio of 1:3 between Portland cement and sand. When sand

content causes unsatisfactory strength values, it is allowed to be modified until the expected results

are accomplished, while maintaining the necessary density and viscosity for adherence. The

equivalent volumes and specific weight for dosage are: 1 50 kg Portland cement bag plus 80 lb. of

dry, loose sand equals a cubic foot.

C3.7.10 Mortar

Mortar must comply with the ASTM C 270 standard, and follow the above described dosage.

C3.7.11 Mixing

Mixing must be done using a mixer that allows for controlled water adding. Mixing time must be at

least 3 minutes after adding water, using the necessary water quantity for achieving the desired

workability. Hand mixing will only be allow with COR’s approval, using a closed box for this

purpose, where a uniform mixture color will be required.

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C3.7.12 Masonry

Masonry will be generally placed in open spans where enclosure is required, according to constructive

drawings. CMU walls will be plumb and have evenly placed rows and levels. Units must be placed

only when dry, and if they are needed to be cut a circular saw will be used. Each row will be placed

in a mortar bed, also using mortar to join adjacent units. No cell will remain uncovered in exposed

surfaces. Unions between units must be approximately 1 cm thick.

Lower, start, rows, must be completely filled until reaching finished floor level. Units will be

continuously placed in rows using only mortar to join them, using concrete for filling, as specified in

this chapter.

CMU’s will be placed by pressing against the lower row, allowing the mix to spread through each

side. Fill-type lateral unions are not allowed, and any excess ill will be cleaned off. Units will be

stacked until reaching a 4 row maximum height, where an inspection window will be opened at the

bottom unit (to verify the filling). Any mix leftover will be cleaned off.

In the last filled cell, concrete will be poured until the middle of each unit is reached, so that a solid

union is formed between units. All vertical rebar will be fixed at their top part, so that no lateral

displacement will occur. Concrete must be allowed to rest 12 hours after filling before continuing the

next row. Horizontal bar splices will be done using a hook at the end.

C.3.8 Drywalls (Densglass)

Drywall shall be constructed for interior coating according to drawings A-02. And to this

specification. The purpose of this Drywall is to cover the space from the floor level to a height.

The walls shall be constructed with Dens Glass ASTM C3273 (ASTM D3273, DensGlass Sheathing)

of 13 mm (1/2 inch) thick for walls (interior coating).

The walls will have the dimensions according to drawings (dimensions to be confirmed and verified

in site). The panels shall pass the requirements of ASTM G21 and ASTM D3273 for Mold and Mildew

resistance.

Accessories shall meet the ASTM C1047, except form of 0.39 mm (0.015 inch) thick zinc coated steel

sheet or rigid PVC plastic.

Fasteners shall meet the ASTM C1002 and ASTM C840 standards, except as otherwise specified.

Finishing materials and laminating adhesive shall meet the ASTM C475 and ASTM C840.

Contractor shall install control joints in accordance with ASTM C840

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Finish joints, edges, corners, and fastener heads in accordance with ASTM C840. Use Level 5 finish

for all finished areas open to public view and painted according to specification.

After taping and finishing has been completed, and before decoration (painting), contractor shall

repair all damaged and defective work, including non-decorated surfaces. Patch holes or openings 13

mm (1/2 inch) or less in diameter, or equivalent size, with a setting type finishing compound or

patching plaster. Repair holes or openings over 13 mm (1/2 inch) diameter, or equivalent size, with

16 mm (5/8 inch) thick gypsum board secured in such a manner as to provide solid substrate equivalent

to undamaged surface. Tape and refinish scratched, abraded or damaged finish surfaces including

cracks and joints in non-decorated surface, shall be repaired before the final finish is done.

C.3.9 CONTAINERS SPECIFICATIONS

The containers to be provided and installed for this project will be used as a mobile base camp;

therefore the Contractor shall design and build the camp capable to be dismounted at any time and

based on drawings A-02 and A-03 and according to the basic requirements detailed as follow:

C.3.9.1 Main structure: Standard metallic container (of 40’ or 20’ according the project) resistant

against rust formation. The thickness of bottom and top frames sheet shall be 3 mm minimum.

Eyebolts shall be manufactured from sheets with a thickness of no less than 4 mm. The thickness of

box profiles, which are used for facilitating assembly and support, shall be 2 mm minimum.

C.3.9.2 Floors: Over the metallic floor fiber cement panels shall be installed, these boards shall

accomplish with the following: have a minimum thickness of 18 mm. The boards shall be fixed to the

box profiles by galvanized screws. Insulation treatment shall be applied in all floors, it can be done

with 100 mm rock-wool (40kg/m3 / Class A nonflammable) or other insulation product that warranty

the same conditions that rock-wool provides. The floor’s finishing will be done with heavy duty vinyl

of 2 mm in thickness and attached by special glue recommended by the manufactured. Additionally

the bathroom’s floors shall also have a 3 mm epoxy application.

• Roof: The roof shall be constructed simulating sandwich panel with the metallic top of the container,

the insulation and a metallic ceiling. Insulation can be done with 100 mm rock-wool (40kg/m3/ Class

A nonflammable) or other insulation product that warranty the same conditions that rock-wool

provides. The ceiling will be done with steel panels of no less than 0.5mm of thickness (white Color).

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• Walls: The walls espoused to the exterior shall be constructed simulating sandwich panel with the

metallic walls of the container, the insulation and steel sheets of 0.5mm for the interior face. Insulation

can be done with 60 mm rock-wool (120kg/m3/ Class A nonflammable) or other insulation product

that warranty the same conditions that rock-wool provides. The interior walls shall be done with two

steel sheets of 0.5mm and rock-wool for insolation supported in a metallic structure, the total width

of the interior walls shall be minimum 8cm. All the steel shall have an antirust treatment and with a

paint that warrantees that all elements are resistant against rust formation. The walls at the exterior

shall be blue while the interior shall be “Arcade White or similar. For the walls at the bathrooms the

contractor shall include a cabinet shower with PVC walls or other type of product that guarantee a

total waterproofing.

• Air-Conditioning and Electrical System: The containers shall have their own electric board with the

required breakers, and all the electrical supply according to the basic requirements detailed in drawing

A-03. Also for air conditioning the Contractor shall provide and install split units according the basic

requirement detailed at drawing A-03. All the equipment shall be from well-known brand from United

States that can be easily obtained in Costa Rica for maintenance purposes.

• Sewage and Water System: All the bathrooms and sinks shall have their own connections for water

and sewage systems that can be easily be connected or disconnected to the existing facilities, due that

the base camp can be relocated at any time.

• Windows: According to the architectural plan of the containers the contractor shall provide the

windows of 120 cm in with and 120cm in high, it is accepted a tolerance of +/- 10cm due it depends

on the manufacturer standards. The windows shall be manufactured with double glazing of 4mm in

aluminum or PVC equipped with roller shutters and mosquito net. Each window will have a sliding

section.

• Doors: According to drawing A-02 the contractor shall include doors of 90cm in with and 204cm in

high, it is accepted a tolerance of +/- 5 cm due it depends on the manufacturer standards. The doors

can be manufactured in aluminum. The minimum door’s thickness shall be 5 cm with a tolerance of

+/- 1cm.

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• Sanitary devices: For the bathrooms and kitchen the contractor shall include the sanitary devices

according the specifications in C.3.7 that are detailed as a reference. Contractor can use other brands

different of the ones appointed in the mentioned specifications, but it shall be detailed at the respective

Contractor proposal.

• Kitchen furniture and equipment: The container in which is included the kitchen shall be equipped

with an appropriate ventilation system in order to extract the odors from the stove. Also the Contractor

shall provide all the furniture and equipment detailed in chapter C.3.9.3. For transportation purposes

this element shall also be fixed to the Container in such manner that it can be easily dismounted for

maintenance.

It is needed to clarify that the Contractor shall accomplish with the detailed basic requirements, but it

is not limited to it, since this is a design and build project the Contractor shall include any other

accessories or equipment that are needed for an appropriate construction of the Containers and to

guarantee the durability and manipulation for no less than one year of use. The supporting structure

for the walls must be corrosion resistant metal; dimensions shall be the appropriate to build the walls

according to the widths and heights required in architectural plans. The walls must be properly

anchored so that the Contractor ensures the stability of the same in accordance with the requirements

of the Association of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica.

All materials to be used, and installation processes should comply with the recommendations of the

Gypsum Association (GA-216-2010) and all the requirements described in this chapter.

C.3.10 TILING

C3.10.1 General

Where drawings indicate so, a tile wall cover will be installed. The tiles specification will Porcelain

Tiles Madrid Dark Grey 60x30cm From Samboro, 5mm Grout, for the wall areas 100, 200, and 300

Porcelain Tiles 60 x 30 cm Grey color. Tiles will be top quality, dimensions certificated with uniform

color and texture, and free of any irregularities, and anti-slip finish. They will have right, round angled

edges.

Borders of cut tiles will be grinded and polished. The mortar used for installation will be equal or

similar in quality to 253 GOLD from Laticrete.

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The wall in which tiles will be installed must be uniform, rough, clean, moist and water saturated prior

to installation. Tiles will be placed by firmly pressing them against the mortar, without leaving any

voids underneath them, a rubber mallet will be used until the surface is plumb and in a single plane,

and uniform, 2 mm to 3 mm wide, tile spacing.

Spaces between tiles will be filled with an epoxy grout equal or similar to PERMACOLOR SELECT

GROUT, from LATICRETE GROUT, or an equivalent quality material.

C.3.11 PAINT AND COATING WALLS

All the walls of the project shall be painted with two hands of white concrete sealant equal or similar

to Sellador 522 from Sur, and two hands of acrylic paint equal or similar to BEST TEX LATEX de

SUR, and in accordance with drawings specifications except for those that are covered with ceramic

tiles. The paint shall include the walls at the interior and exterior areas of the buildings, except for

those that are indicated to be tiled.

Also the existing metallic structure of the building shall be painted with enamel in order to provide an

appropriate maintenance of the facilities.

C3.12 MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS

C.3.12.1 Applicable publications

The following publications are part of this Specification document, and apply to the pipe network

installation and inspection chambers construction:

● Installation: Código de Instalaciones Hidráulicas y Sanitarias en Edificaciones del CFIA de Costa

Rica (Code of Hydraulic and Sanitary Installations for Buildings, CFIA, Costa Rica)

● Ley #7600 “Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad” (#7600 Law “Equal

Opportunities for Disabled People”)

General

C3.12.2 Approval requests

Isometric sketches will be submitted for the COR’s approval. Approval requests must include

equipment dimensions, accessories, installation area dimension compatibility, and installation details.

Anchor and connecting elements information must also be included. Element fabrication will not start

until isometric sketches are approved, as required by the COR.

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C3.12.3 Samples

Equipment and material samples must be provided if the COR’s requests it.

C3.12.4 Drawings and specifications

Drawings and specifications must be taken as complementary, and the Contractor is required to submit

any necessary written request to the mechanical COR regarding any need for clarification. Every

installation detail will be taken as “schematic”, and the Contractor will consider the cost of any

challenge indicated in drawings.

C3.12.5 Scope

All materials, tools, equipment or minor details not shown in drawings or not specified, but necessary

for a correct installation and operation, will be included in the project at no additional cost for the

project. The different subcontractors, including the Contractor, will define their contract scopes,

delivering one dully finished project at the deadline. It is common for the civil works contractor to

include any concrete necessary for equipment mounting bases, Inspection chambers and drains.

Control circuits, electric panel and every equipment’s on/off switch will be installed by a mechanic

specialists, while electric piping and power wiring will be installed by the electrical specialist. 65

C3.12.6 Approval

Material, accessories and equipment that lack the COR’s written approval will not be accepted. The

minimum requirements for approval are: new material or equipment, no manufacturing defects,

manufacturer’s warranty, U.L. seal and that it complies with the previously mentioned specifications

and drawings.

C3.12.7 Brands and models

Any specified brand or model must be taken as reference. The contractor will be able to submit for

COR’s consideration any similar brand or model, provided that they share the same operation

conditions, and equipment or accessory standard. In special cases, the change approval must be backed

by a technical opinion that may require professional responsibility commitments regarding eventual

designs. Any change must be submitted for the COR’s approval.

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C3.12.8 As Built Drawings

The contractor must draw up to date plans according to the project’s development, which must be

delivered when the COR requires so and when changes need to be approved. They will be printed or

in a digital format and a defined scale, as requested by the COR.

Once the project is finished, the Contractor will deliver three sets of drawings to the COR. The

drawings must include as-built installation details, indicating the exact equipment location, and

providing its characteristics, materials, origin, duct and pipe dimensions, valves, accessories and flow

values, as well as any other information that the COR requires.

Once the work is accepted, the Contractor will deliver a compact disk, or any other digital storage

unit, with a set of drawings to the COR, containing all requested corrections.

All drawings must be done using computer software (such as AutoCad) and delivered in print with

the scale defined by the COR.

C3.12.9 Construction, Equipment and material management

Materials must be protected from corrosion, deformation and any other damage type. Metal pipes

must be stored in a closed area, without soil and external weather contact. Any damaged material shall

be replaced by the Contractor, at no additional cost. All approved material will be stored in a way

such that it suffers no damage.

C3.12.10 Installation Considerations

All pipe ends will be plugged to avoid any obstruction during the construction process.

Regarding concrete casting the Contractor has the obligation to notify, with one week notice, the next

concrete casting dates that involve mechanical pipes, for the COR’s approval. Casting start is not

authorized if a complete verification of the electromechanical system is done by the COR. If formwork

blocks the view for checking the mechanical system, the COR must be done prior to formwork

starting. When pressure pipes are placed underground, a concrete anchor must be casted at every

direction change.

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C3.12.11Tests

The Contractor will be obliged to perform any kind of operation test, in any part of the mechanical

system that the COR requires. Each test will be performed according to the specifications or the

manufacturer’s advice, unless a standard for the test exists, in which case said procedure will follow.

C3.12.12 Work Reception

Mechanical installations works won’t be accepted before a final inspection is performed, for which a

deep element cleaning is required. All labels, glue residue, rust or packing box will be removed

without affecting any material or equipment. Any defective paint trace will be removed at no

additional cost.

C3.12.13 System Performance Guarantee

The Mechanical Contractor will guarantee in writing, and by a year, that every equipment, material

and installation work are free of any defect and that they will work in an optimal way, according to

design. Any damage presented during the mentioned timeline, according to the above described

deficiencies, will be repaired by the Contractor at no additional cost. Likewise, any architectonic or

structural element that is damaged during the repairing process will be the Contractor’s responsibility.

Protection

All exposed piping will be protected with anticorrosive paint and coating. Underground piping will

have a minimum 60 cm depth measured from the pipe’s crown to the finished surface level.

The Contractor will be responsible for any pipe that doesn’t meet these criteria and covering them

with the appropriate material thickness. The Contractor must verify the pipe’s line, making sure of

that it doesn’t cross any structural, architectonic or natural element that may damage it during service

or installation.

C3.12.14 Potable Water System

The water connection shall be from the existing public service. The contractor shall be responsible for

connecting the potable water from the existing system to the building-s installations.

Contractor shall satisfy the local government and municipality’s norms and regulations. All materials

shall satisfy international norms and regulations including, as applicable, ISO, ASTM, ASHTO,

ASSHO, ANSI, AWWA, and INTECO.

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C3.12.15 Water Interior Network

The potable water network shall be designed and constructed according to the appropriate mechanical

drawing for each building. Contractor shall place, connect, fix, and test in the site, following the

outlines and levels indicated in the project’s plans, all the pipes, accessories and special parts, as well

as the group of valves that will distribute the potable water from the main connection to the different

points. The potable water system is formed by the following elements: main connection and

distribution of potable water.

The technical specifications, which are the subject of this document, are based on the specifications

used in Costa Rica. In cases where there are required norms and specifications from local institutions,

these demands for should be satisfied. All the materials should satisfy the international known norms

and requirements or the ones used as reference (ISO, ASTM, ASHTO, ASSHO, ANSI, AWWA, and

INTECO).

C3.12.16 Pipes and Accessories

The system shall be constructed with AMANCO accessories and AMANCO PVC pipes for cold

water, and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe for hot water or other recognized brand that guarantees

high quality standards ASTM and INTECO norms. For the water network pipes shall be of PVC. Also

contractor shall apply the following specifications to the water system:

• Polyvinyl Chloride Pressure Pipes and accessories (PVC). The polyvinyl chloride pressure pipes and

accessories (PVC) will comply with ASTM and INTECO norms.

• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC). The Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)

and accessories (CPVC) will comply with ASTM and INTECO norms.

• The pipes should be installed according to what is stated in the project. The connections between the

pipes and accessories should thread, and a sealing substance should be used, such as the recommended

by the pipe’s manufacturer.

• The pipes that will be anchored to walls or floors will have to be tested and checked for leaks before

they are permanently coat plastered or the floors are installed.

• The pipes threads should be taper thread and its length will be according to the accessories that will

be installed. The pipe threads extremes should be scarified and their interior should be cleaned before

their installation.

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• Gate valves. Gate valves will be used in the pipes lines so as to control the water flow through the

pipes. These valves will be hooked up to rounded pipes and accessories or through PVC pipes

adaptors. The threads will be American standard.

• The principal element and closing mechanism will be made of brass and will have a hand wheel, for

a working pressure of 8 Mpa (8.8 Kg/cm2). These will be wedged, rising stem, double disk. These

will be located according to the plans.

• Discharge valves. These valves will be placed in the highest points of the hot water pipe lines and

the type used will be a float ball made of cast iron; the disk activated by the float ball will be made of

copper. These will be located according to the plans.

• Tests, cleaning and purification. The pipes’ cleaning will be done through pressure wash with a

minimum speed of 0.75m/seg. The pipes will be tested using a pressure equal to one and a half

specified working pressure, minimum during two hours, and neither filtrations nor leaks should be

present. The system purification will be done with chlorine, gas or calcium hypochlorite at 70%, and

applying final solutions of 50 p.m.p, during 24 hours. The concentration of chlorine residues should

be checked at the furthest point of the net, and these residues should be of minimum 10 p.p.m.

• Pipes´ hose. Metal hoses will be placed in the structures where the pipes will pass through. These

ducts will be made preferably of cast iron or steel. The hose’ length will be equal to the thickness of

the element it will pass through. If there are places where it will not be able to place a hose, then the

pipes will be embedded to the structure it will pass through and joints will be placed at both sides of

the embedded section.

C3.12.17 Storm water and Wastewater

The system includes all the pipes and accessories of the horizontal branches for collection from the

sanitary devices, their connections to the pipes in the columns, downpipes, and their prolongation to

the sewer network.

This system shall be built according to the specifications and drawings. The pipes shall go through

ducts or be embedded in the slab and/or walls, and all the derivations pertaining to the toilets will use

the diameters indicated in sheet M1.2. All other drainages pertaining to other elements or sanitary

devices shall have a diameter according to the designs detailed in drawings.

The minimum slope for the collector branches will be of 1%. The rainwater downpipes, as well as the

horizontal branches and collectors, with their respective accessories shall be made of PVC Sanitary

type.

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The constructor shall provide, install, connect and satisfactorily test the pipes, revision points, and

other devices of the sewer and storm systems in the buildings until their final disposal. The sewer and

storm systems to be built in this project are detailed in mechanical drawings. Works include the

connection to the septic system, the construction of the network for sewer and storm systems in order

to provide an appropriate evacuation of the waste and storm water from the building.

C3.12.18 Approvals

The general requirements for the mechanical system apply to drainpipes, gutters, pipes, Inspection

chambers, wells and drains. Any material planned to be used will be first approved by the COR. 72

C3.12.19 Pipe Installation for External Work

The main pipe will be installed by following both the vertical and horizontal lines, as well as the slope

indicated in drawings. It will be placed in the South side of avenues and East side of streets, unless

otherwise noted. The pipe will be installed starting from the lowest point of each section, so that each

pipe’s spigot points to the following pipe’s bell in the water direction.

Trenches will have a firm bottom with the pipe’s required slope, so that no height adjustments using

soil, or any other material, will be needed.

Underground piping will be supported by low strength concrete fixtures. Small excavations will be

done inside the trenches, with enough size to fit the pipes’ union bells. This will help with pipe

settlements and excessive ground pressures, as well as with the pipe’s joint sealing process.

C3.12.20 Pipe Installation for Interior Work

a) PVC pipes: When using plastic pipes, the unions or joints will be cleaned using acetone and a bevel

will be done, in the same way that the Durman y Esquivel S.A. technical manual indicates. All

ventilation columns will be PVC, unless otherwise indicated in drawings.

b) Trenches: Trenches will have a firm bottom with the pipe’s required slope, so that no height

adjustments using soil, or any other material, will be needed. Underground piping will be supported

by poor strength concrete fixtures.

c) Inspection chambers: Inspection chambers will be built in the places indicated in drawings. They

will be placed in the lower end of downspouts and at pints that an abrupt pipe direction change is

needed.

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C3.12.21Accessories

All of the employed accessories will come from the same manufacturer.

The pipes and accessories for the drainages and ventilation will be made of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC), as well as their respective accessories will comply with NTC

norms 369, 1087 and 1341, and standards ASTM D2665-82 and CS 272-65.

C3.12.22 Tests

Storm water and wastewater piping will be tested when completed, for which the COR’s indicated

procedure will be used. If the tests results are not satisfactory, the network will be drained and

damaged elements replaced. Epoxy resin repairs, and defective concrete blocks are not allowed. The

tests will be repeated after the appropriate repairs are done, as many times as needed.

The test, materials, equipment and labor employed for this purpose must be considered as part of the

Contractor’s cost. The programming of partial tests of different pipe sections, before closing any

trenches or pipes, by the Contractor is highly advised.

All structural and architectonic damages caused during water network tests or repairs must be

correctly fixed by the Contractor and submitted to the COR’s approval. Any costs will be assumed by

the Contractor.

C3.12.23 Sanitary Devices

Installing sanitary devices shall be understood as placing pieces such as: toilets, washbasins, sinks,

etc., on the places, lines and levels indicated in the project.

Installation of sanitary devices shall be made to the complete satisfaction of the COR and must include

the corresponding sewage and set of tops connections. Constructor shall carry out installing these

according with the following technical specifications.

In general terms, installing a sanitary device shall involve one, some or all operations whose

description and execution procedures are pointed out next:

• Constructor shall install each one of the sanitary devices here described on the sites and levels

indicated on the corresponding working drawings or under these specifications.

• The sanitary devices that shall be installed on the job site, must be made of vitrified ceramic, brand

new, must bear a manufacturer’s quality identification seal and must be approved by COR.

Installing sanitary devices shall cover in general terms all the operations that are pointed out next:

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• In turn, perforations where the anchors or bolts will remain housed will be made on floors and

pavements, which will solidly hold the part to the floor.

• Between any contact surface and the contact surface of the part, putty will be applied with white

cement or other material as approved by the inspection or COR, so as to achieve a hermetic joint.

• The complete set of connectors and/or special pieces will be installed and connected to the special

necessary and sufficient parts to connect the set of tops to the corresponding service of water system.

All connections must remain air-tight, fulfilling the specifications corresponding to Installing sewage

and water systems, consigned in the respective chapter.

• Complete installing and connecting of the set of connectors and/or special parts such as PVC siphons,

copper or lead tubes, etc. which are necessary and sufficient to hermetically connect the discharge

from the sanitary piece to the corresponding drain of the internal sewage system.

• The entire parts or portions of them will be built, as it corresponds, into the walls and/or floors,

previously leveling off the part, guaranteeing its correct operation and drainage.

• Repairing of all deterioration caused during plastering of walls and/or floors will be made, such as:

scrapings, reposition of putty, paints, coatings, pavements, etc.

• All the auxiliary masonry work will be performed, which is necessary for installing parts, as well as

all those for apparent finishing and ornamentation required for the correct installation of the pieces

and the good appearance of them.

• All the auxiliary plumbing jobs shall be executed which are necessary for correct installing and good

operation of the parts.

• Tests for the good functioning of every installed piece shall be made, and all defects occurring shall

be corrected.

• The formwork that would be used, as support to hold in place the sanitary parts, shall not be removed

until the mortar used for building the same is dry, and any deterioration resulting from the premature

removal of said work shall be repaired at constructor's account.

• All the masonry work necessary for installing the parts, as well as those of apparent finishing and

decoration shall be previously carried out, as required for a correct installation.

• Installing sanitary pieces must be carried out by a pipe worker or plumber experienced enough on

this type of jobs.

• During installation, Constructor must verify the fastening and embedding system; its alignment must

be parallel to the walls of the room and must remain completely leveled off for its correct operation.

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• In installing toilets to the potable water outlets, the mandatory use of an angular wrench and a supply

tube must be included, specific for every sanitary piece, so as to control or interrupt the passing of

water to the piece.

• Toilets will include the set of accessories inside the water tank, of the brand and type corresponding

to it.

• In installing toilets, it is obligatory to use a wax gasket, to be placed between the evacuation orifice

of the sanitary piece and the PVC duct foreseen on the floor. These accessory has as its purpose to

hermetically seal off the joint and prevent foul smell from coming out.

• The contact surface between the floor and the lower border of the toilet, putty will be placed with

Sikabond porcelain Fix Mortar white in color or any other material similar in quality, for the purpose

of achieving hermetic joints.

• On the contact surface between the counter and the lower border of the wash bowl, Sikaflex silicone

will be placed or other material similar in quality, for the purpose of achieving a hermetic joint.

• Water supply tubes shall be connected to the faucet and potable water accessories, from the angle

valve to the corresponding set of tops to feed water to the sanitary piece. All connections must remain

completely hermetic.

• Upon finishing installation, Contractor shall check each one of the sanitary pieces in place, shall

verify its correct installation, verify its functioning and carry out the tests and inspections needed to

ensure a correct functioning of the sanitary devices, and shall correct any defect.

C3.12.24 Washbasins

This category shall include the supply and installation of a washbasin with siphon, supply pipes, and

fountain faucet with two spigots. All of the elements shall be new and with all the necessary materials

for proper operation. The washbasins shall be of first quality porcelain and accredited by a

manufacturer, similar to those made by American Standard (Washbasin Aqualyn white, or washbasin

Sorrento white with pedestal, with temporized faucet code 24-32-141 at EPA) or others with the same

or better characteristics.

The contractor shall obtain the approval of the washbasin from the COR, and it shall be marked with

the manufacturer’s identification stamp. The washbasin boxes or necessary accessories shall be

prepared in the finishes of the corresponding walls in order to support it. Before this process, leveling

shall be confirmed.

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The contractor shall guarantee all correct operations including drainage. The complete connection

parts and special parts, which are necessary to connect the washbasin valves to the water system, shall

be installed. All the connections shall remain hermetical. All the necessary connections parts and/or

special parts such as siphons, lead tubes, drainages, etc., shall be completely installed and connected,

and shall be hermetically connected to the discharge through the sewerage service. The contractor

shall create all the auxiliaries of masonry works and the necessary plumbing in order to install the

parts.

The finishes required for the correct installation and all proper appearance shall be made. The supply

tube and angular valve shall be included.

C3.12.25 Toilets

This category includes the supply and installation of the toilet with all the necessary materials for its

operation. The toilet and cover shall be first quality, by an accredited manufacturer, similar to those

made by American Standard (Winner Redondo or other manufacturer with the same or better

characteristics, white color).

The toilet bowl, the tank and cover, shall be made of porcelain and possess a high quality finish. All

the elements of the toilet must be new. The toilet shall be placed on the floor over the sewerage system

and shall be sealed with mortar 1:3. The supply pipe connections and valves shall be fixed with sealer.

The supply tube and angular valve shall be included. Between the floor and the toilet base, the

contractor shall place white cement in order to obtain a hermetic union.

The complete connection parts and special parts, which are necessary to connect the toilet to the water

system service, shall be installed. All the connections shall remain hermetical. All the necessary

connection parts and/or special parts such as siphons, lead tubes, drainages, etc. shall be completely

installed and connected, and shall be hermetically connected to discharge through the sewerage

system.

All the auxiliaries of masonry works and the necessary plumbing shall be created in order to install

the parts. The contractor shall make the finishes required for the correct installation and all proper

appearance. The toilet shall be provided complete, with all accessories such as: valves, flappers, etc.,

and it shall be subject to the approval of the COR. The dimensions for the parts locations shall be

given in accordance with the manufacturer catalogs.

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C13. ELECTRIC SYSTEM

The contractor shall design and build the electric system to meet the basic requirements identified in

drawings E0.1 through E1.5, according to the Local Electric Code. The Contractor shall carry out all

the required jobs so the installations remain provided with electric power, being based on the

specifications here pointed out. The electric installations should be made so that the possibilities of

fire spread are reduced to the minimum.

The electric supply for the building shall be from the high voltage line that is located in front of the

building, specifically from the existing transformer at the other side of the gravel road. The type of

connection will be according the local regulations for an aerial supply.

The contractor shall provide and install the electric board indicated in drawings and its respective

connections, as well as provide the main power switch. All the electrical work shall be done according

to the local regulations, and shall have the respective approvals from the Local Electric Company.

Electric Distribution Boards

The electric boards shall be built with metallic sheets, finished with electrostatic process with enamel

or epoxy-polyester and dried at 200 ˚C, also the boards shall have an anticorrosive phosphatized

treatment manufactured by an accredited brand as Schneider, General Electric, Square D, or other

American brand.

Before installation, the contractor shall obtain the COR’s approval for the use of such materials.

According to the electric design, the contractor shall install at the electric boards, plug breakers for

each circuit. Breakers shall be from United States origin. Circuits shall be identified for each breaker

at the distribution board.

C13.1 ILLUMINATION

The illumination shall conform to the lighting requirements of each building, for each area stated in

drawing E1.1. According to this drawing the office and veterinary areas shall be illuminated by LED

lamps (model 517 LED, 2 modules from Sylvania or superior), the kennels and exterior roofed areas

will be illuminated by 48” LED lamps (model 705 ECO 2x18W from Sylvania or superior) while the

exterior parking areas lamps will be LED reflectors (model JETA ECO LED 30w, 120v by Sylvania

or superior). These lighting fixtures shall be high quality from a U.S. manufacture.

In addition, emergency lights shall be installed according to drawing E1.1, these lamps shall be high

quality from a U.S. manufacture, equal or superior to model E-40 LED from Sylvania.

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The lighting installations shall be built with PVC conduit pipe or EMT conduit if exposed. The

conductor class shall be THHN No. 12 or No. 10 AWG for the phase and the neutral, depending on

the lighting fixture type, while the ground connection shall be with No. 12 AWG conductors.

Power Outlets

The main objective is that the facilities shall provide power connections for the different electrical

equipment. The contractor shall install the power outlet system according to drawing E1.2.

The installations shall be built with PVC conduit pipe or EMT conduit if exposed. The conductor shall

be solid cooper #12 AWG, with insulated thermoplastic for 600V, maximum operating temperature

of 60 ° C, type THHN, and a ground connection of # 12 AWG. The power outlet shall meet the UL

or ANSIINEMA quality norms. Power outlets shall be high quality from a U.S. manufacturer or 80

equivalent. Contractor needs COR’s approval before using and installing the materials.

C13.2 GROUND NET

The contractor shall build a ground network connection for the main boards in order to have a proper

protection from the different systems and as per the respective design.

C13.2 CONDUIT SYSTEM

The main objective of the Conduit System is to distribute the cables that are part of the different

electrical and electronic circuits. This system is formed mainly by the main pipes, boxes for

conductor’s connections, and outlets.

C13.3 PIPES

The contractor shall install all electric and electronics wiring inside reinforced PVC conduit pipes or

EMT pipes if these are not built inside the walls. The pipes shall be anchored to the boxes.

The contractor shall install conduit pipe by means of clamps with a maximum spacing of 2 meters

between clamps. The bend of the rigid conduit tubes shall not be curved at an angle less than 90°. In

the extremes between two consecutive boxes, curves shall not exceed more than two 90° angles.

The visible pipes shall be painted with enamel. Pipes joints are not allowed between boxes or

accessories.

The pipe’s curve radio shall meet the Local Electric Code (CIEMI / NFPA 70 NEC 2008).

The different pipes’ diameters used on the project should be labeled next to pipe’s line. The pipe to

be used shall have the appropriate diameter in order to house all the conductors on the design.

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During the construction, the pipes shall be covered at the ends, in order to avoid cluttering inside the

pipes. Before the conductors are installed, all pipes shall be cleaned.

Boxes:

The purpose of the boxes is to: 1) let the conductors feed the electrical circuits and 2) serve as

connection boxes for specific parts. The following requirements apply to the boxes to be installed:

• For the lights, detectors, clocks, fire alarm, and junction boxes or ensembles: Octagonal metallic

galvanized boxes of 100 x 54 mm and 1.3 mm of thickness (4’’ x 2 – 1/8’’ x 1/20 ’).

• For exit lights, when more than ten conductors # 12 AWG meet, but no more than 15 conductors,

manual stations of fire alarm, special exits, and junction boxes or ensembles: Rectangular metallic

galvanized boxes of 100x54x54mm and 1.3mm of thickness.

• For the power outlets, phones, televisions, and electric door: Rectangular metallic galvanized boxes,

100x54x54mm, 1.3mm volume.

• Boxes for the power supply: the metal box shall comply with the requirement and dimensions as per

the pipe’s designs. The boxes need to be Condulet (brand name type) or better. Materials must be

approved by the COR before they are used or installed.

• For distribution and ensemble boxes in the electronics systems: iron boxes of 1.3 mm (1/20’’)

thickness, painted with anticorrosive painting and enamel, with a front door and lock, the bottom of

the box shall contain a 2 cm thick piece of wood, except for the telephone system boxes that shall be

completely galvanized.

C13.4 CONDUCTOR

Once grey work is finished, the contractor shall clean all the pipes and boxes of the respective

conductors.

Before the conductors are installed in the pipes, the contractor shall place inside the pipes a 16 AWG

galvanized wire as guide to make the process easier.

Graphite and talc may be used to make the conductor installation process easier for those conductors

of bigger sections in electric and electronic circuits.

The contractor shall not make connections inside the pipes, and every ensemble shall be done in the

respective box connection.

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For the interior electric installations, copper wiring shall be used. The PVC pipes shall be insulated to

support 600 V, and shall be used in each distribution and supply circuits, similar to THHN or TW

type.

To identify the phases, neutral system and ground system, the conductors shall have different color

insulation as follows:

• The ground conductor shall always be green;

• The neutral conductor shall always l be white; and

• The phase’s conductor or return phase shall be black, red or blue;

• Except for the supply that has a black color because of its diameter

The wiring installed for the different circuits shall have a conduction area that will allow dropping the

tension down to approximately 3% or less compared to the nominal voltage between every exit and

the distribution board.

The conductors installed for the supply between the distribution boards and transformer must have a

conduction area that allows the down tension approximately 2.5 % or less with respect to nominal

voltage.

In the illumination or power circuits, the percentage of conduction shall be reduced for the installation

of various conductors in the same pipe, as follows:

• 1 or 3 conductors 100 %

• 4 or 6 conductors 80 %

• or 24 conductors 70 %

The number of conductors that can be installed inside the pipe shall not exceed the number allowed

by the Local Electric Code.

C.14 FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

The following furniture and equipment shall be provided and installed at the Containers and according

to drawing, note that the pictures are for reference only, the contractor shall deliver catalogs, pictures

of the furniture that is proposing to deliver:

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Item Description Example of the Required Model Quantity Unit

1

Metallic heavy duty bunk beds 39"x80" (overall height 64 1/4")

weight capacity: 350 lbs. Per sleep surface. Durable electrostatic

powder coating / color dark blue or black / pretreatment: water

wash, chemical wash, phosphating. Includes ladder. Model #30U S-

0008 or other with similar or superior features. Heavy duty

mattresses 10" in high for bunk beds.

4 Unit

2

Metallic lockers w23" x d23" x h71" (w60 x d60 x h180cm) with

two sections and one lock (master lock combination) / durable

electrostatic powder coating / color tan / material: heavy gauge

cold-rolled steel plate / pre-treatment: water wash, chemical wash,

phosphate. Each locker equipped with 2 single hooks, two bars to

hang clothes for each section, 2 shelves to dived the interior space

of the two sections.

4 Unit

3

Desk 72"x25" / minimalist design / steel frame with durable 2"

square tube legs that have a powder coat finish (color tan)/ the top

made of laminate over 1.625" thick board finished with lacquer.

2 Unit

8

Chair for work station/ ergonomic chair with multiple adjustments,

moves the arms up or down according to needs / settings for seat

height, back height, and tilt tension. Tilt function can also lock into

a set, fixed position. Breathable mesh back rest / rolling smoothly

system. Color black.

2 Unit

9

Rectangular table with 5 chairs (1.40 x 1.0 m approximately)

constructed of hardwood solids and veneers, with durable high

pressure laminate work surfaces. Color classic brown or similar.

The heavy duty chairs manufactured with steel and synthetic

leather.

1 Table

5 Chairs Unit

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11

Stainless steel refrigerator of 25 cubic feet capacity, side by side

type from well-known brand from United States that can be easily

obtained in Costa Rica for maintenance purposes. Equal or superior

to the Frigidaire model FFHS2622MS.

1 Unit

12

Pantry cabinet with with 4 doors - the furniture shall be from floor

to ceiling and 70cm width manufactured with timber according to

the kitchen furniture specifications used for upper and base

cabinets. 1 Stainless steel microwave of 1.3 cubic feet capacity

from well-known brand from United States that can be easily

obtained in Costa Rica for maintenance purposes. Equal or superior

to the GE Model: JVM6175SKSS.

1 Furniture

1 Microwave Unit

14

Kitchen cabinet base with stainless steel counter top. Cabinets shall

be manufactured with hardwoods and painted with lacquer, with

doors and shall include two adjustable shelves along all length,

except for one module that at least will have 3 drawers. The counter

top shall be of stainless steel of minimum 60cm deep.

3 Unit

15 Stainless steel sink, 50cmx50cmx90cm, steel 304, depth 17cm.

1 Unit

16

Bathroom sink, 185cmx70cmx90cm 2 units, stainless steel. Sink

faucets of higher durability with push control of easy maintenance

and replacement. Flow must be adjustbable. Adjustable table legs

with ½ in of diameter.Faucet z-390CR push control flow. All

accesories included.

2 Unit

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Date

The INL Section requires this work to be completed by January 31, 2021.

All firms that respond to the solicitation must be technically qualified and financially responsible to

provide the equipment. At a minimum, each offeror must meet the following requirements when

submitting its proposal:

• Be able to understand written and spoken English/Spanish

• If the contract is over $30,000 the vendor must have or be able to obtain a unique DUNS and

Bradstreet number, NCAGE code and be registered in the System for Award Management

(SAM) (https://www.sam.gov/ )

• Have an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing

• Have the necessary personnel, equipment and financial resources available to perform the

work

• Have all licenses and permits required by local law

• Meet all local insurance requirements

• Have no adverse criminal record

• Have no political or business affiliation which could be considered contrary to the interests of

the United States

• Have good past performance records

• Identify specialized experience and technical competence required for the work in accordance

with this solicitation

If interested in competing, please provide a written letter of your willingness to participate and your

quotation. Direct all the correspondence to Sheena Hall: Contracting Officer/General Services

Office/U.S. Embassy/San Jose, Costa Rica and send it by email to Mariela Ruiz at [email protected]

before October 09, 2020.

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US EMBASSY SAN JOSE

INL Procurement Support Office

September 22nd, 2020

Combined Synopsis and Solicitation PR9376087

The US Embassy San Jose hereby provides the following Combined Synopsis and Solicitation for:

KM35 Checkpoint Fiscal Police Remodeling

The evaluation of offers will be based on the Lowest- Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

approach.

C.1 Synopsis:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items/services prepared in accordance

with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this

notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are requested and a written

solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is PR9376087 and it is issued as a Request

for Quotations (RFQ), unless otherwise indicated herein. The solicitation document and

incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC

2005-100, effective August 22, 2018.

C.2 Contract Type:

The Government intends to award a single, firm fixed-price contract to the responsible offeror

whose offer is evaluated as the lowest-priced and technically acceptable. The total price shall

include all labor, equipment, delivery charges, materials, overhead, profit, insurance, and all other

expenses necessary to deliver the required furniture. No additional sums will be payable on account

of any escalations in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the Contractor’s failure

to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost or difficulty of achieving the results required by

this contract. Nor will the contract price be adjusted because of fluctuations in currency exchange

rates.


C.3 Term of Contract:

This ensuing contract shall be effective from the date of the Contracting Officer’s signature and

shall remain valid until all items have been received and accepted by the Government.

C.4 Compliance with Specifications:

Offerors shall also provide with their offer, at a minimum, existing product literature from the

manufacturer or a third party (i.e., clearly identifying the source) substantiating the

acceptability of their offered products in accordance with this solicitation’s specifications

provided. Failure to provide this information will result in a ‘non- responsive’ offer and

removal from award consideration.

C.5 Descriptive Literature

Definition: (a) "Descriptive literature" means information (e.g., cuts, illustrations, drawings

and original manufacturers' brochures) that is submitted as part of an offer. Descriptive

literature is required to establish, for the purpose of evaluation and award, details of the product

offered that are specified elsewhere in the solicitation and pertain to significant elements such

as (1) design; (2)Materials; (3) components; (4) performance characteristics; and (5) methods

of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation. The term includes only information

required to determine the technical acceptability of the offered product. It does not include

other information such as that used in determining the responsibility of a prospective contractor

or for operating or maintaining equipment. (b) Descriptive literature must be (1) identified to

show the item(s) of the offer to which it applies and (2) received by the time specified in this

solicitation for receipt of offers. (c) Data displaying more than one model or size shall be

clearly marked to indicate the specific item being offered. (d) Offers that do not present

sufficient information to permit complete technical evaluation by the Government may be

rejected. It is the offeror’s responsibility to prove that their proposed solution meets the

requested specifications, subject to any limitations elsewhere in this solicitation.


C.6 Other Specific Requirements:

• If applicable, the Contractor shall comply with all import requirements mandated by

the government of Costa Rica. Furthermore, the Contractor shall provide all the

necessary documentation required at destination for importation of the proposed good.

• All manuals and literature shall be in the English and Spanish language

C.7 Basis of Price:

The Contractor shall provide a copy in English of the applicable manufacturer’s commercial

warranty for the good covered by such a warranty at no additional cost to the Government.

C.8 Delivery:

Delivery of Services shall be made CIF destination as soon as possible but not later than Nighty

(90) calendar days from the date of contract award.

The contractor shall deliver the service to the following address:

KM35 Fiscal Police Checkpoint: Urbanización La Julieta, Guaycará, Golfito. 10km North

of Rio Claro on Interamericana Highway, Route 02. Costa Rica.

Attention: INL/Procurement Office

C.9 Coordination:

The Contractor shall coordinate the delivery with the Point of Contact (POC) for this order.

Shipping documents for the items being shipped shall be sent to the POC prior to delivery.

[POC will be provided upon award.]


C.10 Condition of Delivered Goods:

The goods shall be supplied in an appropriate quality and condition.

C.11 Inspection and Acceptance of the goods/service:

The inspection and acceptance of the goods/service shall be performed by the U.S. Government.

The payment(s) to the Contractor shall be made following satisfactory inspection and

acceptance of the goods/service, and upon presentation of the certificates of origin or good title

to the POC.

C.12 APPLICABLE CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS

The full text of the referenced FAR and DOSAR clauses may be accessed electronically at

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vfdosara.htm, respectively.

The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and

conditions, which are incorporated herein by reference:

FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition; FAR

52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items – to be completed

with other certifications and submitted with the offer; FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and

Conditions - Commercial Items; FAR 52.211-6, FAR 52.247-42, FAR 52.225-14, FAR

52.225-

13, FAR, FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or

Executive Orders-Commercial Items; the applicable clauses under paragraph (b) are: 52.204-

10, 52.209-6, 52.223-18, 52.225-13, [U.S. firms: 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36,

52.222-37], 52.222-50, 52.232-33, 52.232-40, and DOSAR 652.232-70, DOSAR 652.242-73

and DOSAR 652.243-70. DOSAR 652.225-71


The following and provision(s) are provided in full text:

C.13 Addendum to 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (Oct 2014)

The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible

offeror (as determined within the meaning of FAR Part 9, paragraph 9.104), whose offer

conforms to the solicitation and is determined to be the most advantageous solution to the

Government, price and other factors considered. Evaluation will be based on offeror’s

submission and the provision at FAR 52.212-2, as provided in this solicitation.

The Government has the right to award without any discussions.

(a) The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(i) Price

The price will be evaluated by the lowest aggregate sum of the items including any

delivery charges, etc. The U.S. Embassy San José, Costa Rica is VAT exempt and

can provide documentation, if needed.

(ii) Technical Capability/Acceptability

Technical capability is equal to price.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the

successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding

contract without further action by either party. Before the offeror’s specified expiration time,

the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations

after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)


C.14 52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language. Offers received

in other than English shall be rejected.

(End of Provision)

C.15 52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers (Feb 2000)

If the Government receives offers in more than one currency, the Government will evaluate

offers by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using

http://ice.cgfs.state.sbu/ in effect as follows:

(1) On the date specified for receipt of offers, if award is based on initial

offers; otherwise

(2) On the date specified for receipt of proposal revisions.

(End of provision)

C.16 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items (Aug 2018)

Pursuant to FAR 12.302(d), the provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors –

Commercial Items (Jan 2017) is augmented as follows: Preparation of Offers - Offerors

shall prepare and submit its offer in two (2) volumes as set forth below.

Preparation of Offers - Offerors shall prepare and submit offers to Mariela Ruiz, via email to:

[email protected] .In addition, offerors shall complete and submit the following:


C.17 VOLUME I:

1. PRICING

The offeror shall complete the table below:

PROJECT'S BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

ITEM DESCRIPTION UNI

T QTY.

LABOR COST MATERIALS

COST TOTAL

UNIT COST

TOTAL COST

UNIT COST

TOTAL COST

1 New 40ft Container Works

1.1 Excavations and Backfill for the Container m3 -

1.2 Concrete Platform for the Container m3 -

1.3 Remodeled 40ft Container Supply and Installation m3 -

1.4 Septic System for the New Container glb -

1.5 Electrical Design for the Container (internal and external electric supply) glb

-

1.6 Electrical and Mechanical Systems for the Container glb -

2 New Women's Bathroom (exterior)

2.1 Excavation and Backfilling for the New Women's Bathroom m3

-

2.2 Concrete Works for the New Women's Bathroom m3 -

2.3 Masonry Walls for the New Women's Bathroom m2 -

2.4 Roof Structure, Cover and Ceiling for the New Women's Bathroom m2

-

2.5 Electrical Design for the New Women's Bathroom glb -

2.6 Electrical and Mechanical Systems and Others for the New Women's Bathroom glb

-

2.7 Septic System for the New Women's Bathroom glb -

2.8 Electric Design for the Fans in the Bathroom glb -

3 Exisitng Men's Bathroom Remodeling

3.1 Existing Men's Bathroom Tiles Demolition m2 -

3.2 Existing Men's Bathroom Shower, Toilet, Urinals and Others Removing gb

-

3.3 Men's Bathroom New Tiles Installation m2 -

3.4 Mechanical System Renovation (Pvc Pipe Replacement and Renovation) glb

-


3.5 Men's Bathroom Showers, Toilets, Urinals and Accesories Installation glb

-

3.6 Electrical Design for the New Fans in the Bathroom. m2 -

3.7 New Fans Design and Installation glb -

3.8 Existing Sink Replacement, Supply and Installation glb -

3.9 New Dry Wall Construction (inside shower area) glb -

3.10 Others glb -

SUBTOTAL (DIRECT COST)

-

- -

DBA COST

OVERHEAD %

-

- -

PROFIT %

-

- -

TOTAL PROJECT COST

-

- -

2. REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items (Aug 2018)

Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items - the selected offeror must

submit a completed copy of the listed representations and certifications. A completed copy

of these provisions MUST be included on the System for Award Management (SAM) web

site located

at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the

Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (u) of this provision.


C.18 VOLUME II:

1. TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

The proposed good shall meet all of the minimum technical specifications and the

delivery terms contained herein. In addition, the offeror shall provide:

(A) Descriptive Literature if offering other than the named brand.

(B) A delivery confirmation providing delivery within 30 calendar days of award to

final destination.

(C) Warranty provisions:

The Contractor agrees that the good furnished under this contract shall be

covered by the most favorable manufacturer’s commercial warranty the

Contractor gives to any customer for such good and that the rights and remedies

provided herein are in addition to and do not limit any rights afforded to the

Government by any other clause of this contract.

The Contractor shall provide a copy in English of the applicable

manufacturer’s commercial warranty with the good covered by such a

warranty at no additional cost to the Government.

(D) Technical Compliance Matrix (Brand Name or Equal):

Submission of Offers:

The complete offer submission shall include:

(1) Price Offer (Breakdown Structure Table) and Representations and Certifications

(2) Technical Capability – Volume II – Parts (A) thru (D)

(3) DBA Insurance


C.19 Submission of Questions:

Interested parties may submit any questions concerning the solicitation not later than 16:00

hrs. On Monday October 05, 2020 via email to Mariela Ruiz at [email protected] . Late

questions may not be considered. The email subject line must read “Solicitation PR9376087”.

C.20 Offer due date:

Offers shall be submitted not later than 16:00 hrs. On Friday October 09, 2020 via email

to Mariela Ruiz at [email protected] . The email subject line must read “Solicitation

PR9376087”. The size shall not exceed 20MB.

C.21 Late submissions shall not be considered.

Applicable laws and regulations: Solicitation and award will be subject to laws and

regulations of the United States of America.

Site Visit is scheduled to be on October 01, 2020 – 11:30 am

Last day to send questions - October 05, 2020 – 4:00 pm

This publication closes on October 09, 2020 – 4:00 pm

Note: The SOW, breakdown structure for quotation and drawings will be provided before the site visit.

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