DC VAMC Emergency Flood Restoration Project Summary

Comprehensive Project Summary

Project Title:

DC VAMC Emergency Flood Restoration – Project #688-25-103
Contract No.: 36C24524D0035
Task Order: 36C24525N0183
Contractor: SanDow Construction, Inc. (SDVOSB)

Project Overview:

This project was initiated in response to a catastrophic waterline rupture at the Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The flooding impacted over 50 rooms across the basement, 1st, and 2nd floors, including critical care areas such as the Green & Red Clinics, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Administrative zones. SanDow Construction was contracted under emergency conditions to mitigate, remediate, and restore affected areas.

Key Objectives:

  • Mitigate and remove water damage.
  • Perform mold remediation and asbestos abatement.
  • Restore structural, mechanical, and architectural systems.
  • Comply with VA’s Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements and safety protocols.

Major Work Performed:

  • Containment & ICRA: Built Level III & IV ICRA barriers in multiple zones. Maintained negative air pressure, HEPA filtration, and continuous particulate monitoring.
  • Demolition: Extensive removal of drywall, cove base, tile, wallpaper, and contaminated structures.
  • Mold Remediation: Uncovered and remediated significant out-of-scope mold in 10+ rooms (e.g., 1D125, GD212D, GC167, 2C216) requiring multiple change orders.
  • Mechanical & Plumbing: Replaced lavatories and wall systems in compliance with ASTM standards; flushed sealed plumbing regularly to prevent Legionella.
  • Finishes: Installed Acrovyn panels, paint, new LVT flooring, and handrails as per revised design guidance.

Project Timeline & Documentation:

  • Mobilization Date: January 28, 2025
  • Daily Logs Maintained: Through April 2, 2025 (Day 60), documenting crew deployment, inspections, findings (e.g., mold, asbestos), stakeholder coordination, and unexpected delays.
  • Key Inspections Passed: GD212, GC202, 2A136 ICRA containment and pressure tests.

Challenges & Change Orders:

  • Scope Creep: Multiple out-of-scope discoveries led to submission of RFP 001 on March 12, 2025, requesting revised pricing, added time, and revised specifications.
  • Delays: Resulted from coordination issues, additional mold growth, ACM verification, and surprise inspections.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Emergency asbestos abatement was delayed pending DOEE approval but later permitted.

Financial Status:

  • Original Contract Value: $1,505,976
  • Work Completed (as of March 21, 2025): $1,023,865.68
  • Payments Received: Two invoices submitted and paid. Remaining balance: $482,110.32

Summary:

The DC VAMC Emergency Flood Restoration is a large-scale, multi-phase emergency construction project focused on restoring hospital functionality while ensuring patient and worker safety. SanDow Construction has demonstrated responsiveness, technical expertise, and adaptive planning under high-stakes, health-sensitive conditions. With several change orders initiated and new hazards identified, the project continues to evolve while maintaining alignment with VA standards and infection control protocols.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary
DC VAMC Emergency Flood Restoration
Project Number: 688-25-103
Contract No.: 36C24524D0035
Task Order: 36C24525N0183
Contractor: SanDow Construction, Inc. (SDVOSB)
Location: Washington, DC VA Medical Center

Project Overview:

This emergency restoration project was launched after a major waterline rupture damaged over 50 rooms across the basement, first, and second floors of the DC VAMC. SanDow Construction was contracted to perform full mitigation, mold remediation, and restoration services under strict healthcare regulations and safety protocols.

Scope of Work:

  • Mitigation & Demolition: Water extraction, drywall and flooring removal, mold and asbestos abatement.
  • Containment & Safety: Built Level III/IV ICRA barriers with HEPA filtration, negative pressure, and 24/7 particulate monitoring.
  • Restoration: Reinstallation of lavatories, Acrovyn paneling, handrails, flooring (LVT), and painting per updated specs.
  • Plumbing Management: Weekly flushing of sealed water systems to prevent Legionella growth.

Challenges & Changes:

  • Scope Expansion: Out-of-scope mold and damage discovered in over 10 new locations, triggering multiple change orders (RFP-001 issued March 12, 2025).
  • Regulatory Delays: Emergency asbestos abatement delayed pending DOEE approval.
  • Coordination Issues: Delays due to hospital staff movement and inspection scheduling.

Progress & Documentation:

  • Start Date: January 28, 2025
  • Work Days Documented: 60+
  • Key Inspections Passed: GD212, GC202, 2A136
  • Work Areas: Green & Red Clinics, Mental Health, Nutrition, Basement (GD/GD rooms), Levels 1C, 2C, and 2D

Financial Summary:

  • Original Contract: $1,505,976
  • Work Completed (as of 3/21/25): $1,023,865.68
  • Remaining Balance: $482,110.32
  • Invoices Submitted: 2 (fully paid)

Conclusion:

This project showcases SanDow Construction’s ability to manage complex healthcare restorations under emergency conditions. With evolving scope, rigorous health standards, and constant coordination with the VA, the team remains committed to restoring safe, functional environments for staff and patients.

Metal frame supported bracesLead wall protectionAsbestos abatement and other regulated material removalBroken wall with a Telephone Closet SignageInstalling concealed door straightener