Emergency Generator Installation at Memphis VAMC
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs
LOCATION: Memphis, Tennessee
SIZE: $576,287
PRIME: AACON General Contractors
AWARD DATE: August 2020
COMPLETED: October 2022
AACON General Contractors served as the prime contractor for the installation of a new emergency standby generator serving the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Building 7, at the Memphis VA Medical Center. The SCI Unit—one of the hospital’s most sensitive and mission-critical environments—previously operated with a single emergency generator dating back to 1986. This project resolved a major redundancy gap by providing a fully integrated secondary power source to protect life-safety, medical, and critical care systems.
AACON’s scope included site preparation, construction of a reinforced generator pad, structural and electrical modifications, switchgear installation, and full integration of the new system into the hospital’s essential electrical infrastructure. Major components included a 500 kW Caterpillar C15 diesel generator, a Square D 800A bypass isolation ATS, and new 480V switchgear—all installed in compliance with VA design standards, NFPA 70, NFPA 110, and VA Master Specifications.
Because connection points were located inside an active patient care unit, AACON implemented VA-approved ICRA measures such as dust barriers, HEPA filtration, negative air machines, and off-hours work scheduling. Electrical tie-ins were carefully planned with VA engineering staff to avoid interruptions to ventilators, mobility equipment, and patient monitoring systems. All high-impact connections were performed during low census periods with contingency power on standby to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
The project required precise coordination of long-lead equipment during a challenging supply chain period. AACON mitigated risk through early submittal approvals, close communication with GSA-approved vendors, and careful sequencing of crane picks, conduit routing, and switchgear installation. Enhanced security protocols were followed throughout, with all personnel badged, escorted, and trained for work in the SCI clinical environment.
A contract modification incorporated minor design revisions and schedule adjustments related to equipment lead times and field conditions. The project was completed within the contract period and budget, achieving full generator commissioning on the first attempt and maintaining a zero-incident safety record.
Through proactive planning, strict infection control compliance, and close collaboration with VA stakeholders, AACON delivered a fully redundant emergency power system that enhances safety, reliability, and resilience for one of the Memphis VAMC’s most critical care units.
