June 2006
Foreword
VA policy is to design new hospital buildings to provide for continuing adaptability throughout
their structural life. The VAHBS concept as defined in the VA Hospital Building System Re-
search Study Report (Project 99-R047; U.S. Government Printing Office Stock No. 051-000-00
112-5) was created to provide such adaptability. The purpose of this supplement is to address
the effects on the VAHBS concept and Research Study Report (Red Book) brought about by 30
years of changes in technology, construction practices, and health care models.
It has been VA's experience that VAHBS projects have not cost more than traditional construc-
tion in construction bidding, and have cost less on a life-cycle basis. A key factor in the bidding
process is thorough pre-bid conferencing which includes sub-contractors (such as mechanical,
plumbing, electrical, etc.) and material suppliers as well as general contractors to inform them of
the potential savings in time and labor through the separation of trades on all levels. The use of
drawings, models, and virtual reality should be considered for part of these pre-bid conferences.
The project team for a new VA hospital, including VA staff and design and engineering consult-
ants, shall use this Supplement in conjunction with the VAHBS Research Study Report (Red
Book) in the design and construction of new VAHBS buildings.
Lloyd H. Siegel, FAIA
Associate Chief Facilities Management Officer
for Strategic Management
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
SECTION 1-1
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