VHA PROGRAM GUIDE PG-18-3
May 2006
TOPIC 2. DRAWINGS
1. DRAWING MATERIAL AND SIZE
a. Prepare Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) drawings for review submittals, bidding and
construction in accordance with instructions in A/E Submittal Guide PG-18-15. Submit record
drawings on bond paper, full size one copy and on standard format DVD, two copies. Each of
the two electronic copies shall contain .dwg and .pdf files of each drawing, and .doc and .pdf
files of each project manual document. Each DVD will be labeled as to station #, project #, date,
etc.
b. Standard sheets are Architectural F size, 1069 mm (42 in.) long by 762 mm (30 in.) wide.
c. Electronic files shall conform to National CAD Standard and VA Application Guide.
2. DRAWING FORMAT: Computer aided design and drafting (CAD) is the preferred
method of presenting drawings. The format to be used in creating the CAD drawings (i.e.
layer/level structure, fonts, font sizes, file naming conventions, etc.) shall be the latest edition of
the National CAD Standard as amended by VA Application Guide.
3. SIZE AND SCALE: Use
minimum lettering height of 3 mm
(1/8 in.). Computer generated
or typewritten notes are preferable to hand lettered. Hold screening, shading, crosshatching and
other indications of materials or locations to a minimum. Place symbols and lettering so that
they are not confused with dimension lines, arrowheads, or other indications.
4. TITLE BLOCK
a. Use VA Standard Title Block for CAD drawings. Follow the format indicated in the
Standard Title Block for hand drawn sheets.
b. For Schematics and Design Development Drawings, identify drawings above the title block
in large font stating as appropriate either "Schematics ONLY" or "Design Development ONLY",
and in small font "NOT for Construction".
5. GENERAL INFORMATION
a. Organize and number drawings into technical classifications as listed in Item 6,
Identification of Drawings.
b. Indicate scales by note for each plan, section and detail on each drawing. Provide graphic
scales.
c. Show north arrow indicators on plan sheets.
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