760
Special Procedures: Product Development
764.4.8
Provide Development Assistance
Development of the ceiling design into a manufactured product meeting all
performance criteria is the responsibility of the Component Contractor.
However, it is in the VA's own interest to provide the Contractor with
technical, and perhaps financial, assistance to assure optimum cost-
effectiveness.
Prototype components are subjected to a predetermined testing program
and certification of test results submitted according to schedule. This work
is performed either on the construction site with all components in their
actual location or under suitable simulated conditions elsewhere. If
possible, one service module is completed on a crash schedule to provide
for mock-ups and testing while remaining construction proceeds at normal
pace. Development and testing is supervised by the A/E, or by the
construction manager if there is one.
The Component Contractor provides the VA and the A/E with unit prices (if
not required in the bid) and an information manual completely describing
the developed design.
764.4.9
Install the Developed Ceiling
Upon successful completion of all performance tests, the Component
Contractor becomes a sub-contractor to the general construction
contractor, or continues under direct contract with the VA if a construction
manager is being used. The Component Contractor must install, and the
VA buy, approximately the quantity of ceiling established as the basis of
original bidding, at exactly the submitted unit prices, subject to appropriate
escalation clauses. After completion of the contract, the Component
Contractor is free to change his design and prices.
764.4.10
Expedite Decisions
The time available for the complete development program, assuming
accelerated scheduling, is about eighteen months. The product
development program is superimposed on the design and construction
schedule as shown in Figure 760-2.
Bidders have about six months to qualify their designs, perhaps two
months to prepare their bids, and some eight months to develop all
components and pass performance tests.
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