CE Specific Flashcards
1
Q
competitive bidding
A
Usually results in the lowest construction cost
Create clearly defined guidelines that protect the owner from disreputable contractors and unethical bidding practices
2
Q
value-based selection (VBS)
A
type of public bidding used in some jurisdictions that considers lowest cost as well as quality, schedule, and contractor personnel
3
Q
negotiation (in design bid build)
A
The process in which the owner, with the assistance of the architect, works out a final contract price with on contractor
The contractor may be selected in one of two ways:
- Owner may already know which contractor they want to work with
- Owner may have selected several possible contractors for consideration. One is chosen based on qualifications after they are all interviewed.
4
Q
prequalification of bidders
A
Prequalification is based on the following:
Financial qualifications
Personnel
Experience
References
Size of firm
Bonding capability
Special qualities that make them well suited for the project
5
Q
Advertisement for Bids
A
Any contractor is able to submit a bid
Published in newspapers, trade journals, online, etc.
Usually written by the architect
Usually required for public work
6
Q
Invitation to Bid
A
Contractor must be prequalified
Contains same info as an advertisement for bid
7
Q
addendum
A
A written or graphic document, issued by the architect during the bid period prior to the execution of the contract, that modifies
or interprets the bidding documents by addition, deletion, clarification, or correction
Addendums are issued to bidders no later than four to five days before receipt of bid
8
Q
Pre-Bid Conference
A
Architect and owner can emphasize important conditions
Very useful for renovation or addition projects
Large projects may have separate conferences for HVAC subs, electrical subs, etc.
Notes should be taken and distributed to bidders
9
Q
What happens to bid received after the deadline?
A
must be returned unopened
10
Q
How long after bid deadline is the decision typically made?
A
7-10 days
11
Q
Who conducts most public bid openings?
A
Architect
12
Q
What are the 4 options for the owner if all bids exceed the project budget?
A
Owner may rebid the project. Architect receives no additional compensation. Rebidding a project without changing its scope or details will rarely result in a cost reduction unless the marketplace/economy is changing rapidly.
Owner may authorize an increase in the construction cost and proceed.
Owner may work with the architect in revising the scope. Architect will receive no additional compensation to redesign and revise the documents.
Owner may abandon the project.
13
Q
List 7 things typically included in the bid documents
A
The advertisement or invitation to bid
Instructions to bidders
Supplementary instructions to bidders (if any)
Bid forms
Bid security information
Performance bond, if required
Labor and material payment bond, if required
(also could include:
Qualification forms
Proposed subcontractor list form
Certificates of insurance
Certificates of compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Additional information available to bidders (such as geotechnical data) )
14
Q
What AIA documents is the Instructions to Bidders
A
A701
15
Q
substitutions (during the bidding process)
A
Bidder is required to submit a request for approval of a proposed substitution at least 10 days prior to the bid opening date
If approved, architect issues an addendum stating this and sends it to all bidders
Substitutions cannot be considered after the contract is awarded
16
Q
bid security
A
Required to ensure that the successful bidder will enter into a contract with the owner
Could be a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond
If the successful bidder doesn’t enter into an agreement, the bid security may be retained to compensate for the difference
between the low bid and the next lowest
Amount could be fixed or percentage of bid, usually 5%
17
Q
performance bond
A
A statement by a surety company that obligates complete construction of the project in the event that the contractor defaults on his
or her obligations
Surety company completes construction by hiring another contractor, or may supply additional money to the defaulting contractor to
allow construction to continue
Usually mandatory on public work and advisable on private work
Cost of the bond is paid by the owner and usually included in the construction cost
18
Q
In CM as Adviser, who provides contract administration?
A
both architect and CM
19
Q
In CM as Adviser, who prepares change orders and construction change directives?
A
CM
but they are signed by CM , architect, owner, and contractor
20
Q
In CM as Adviser, who is the initial decision maker?
A
architect
21
Q
What path doe RFI’s take in CM as Adviser?
A
Contractor - CM - Architect
CM gives their recommendation
22
Q
What begins the construction phase in a CM as contructor project?
A
- the owner’s acceptance of the CM’s GMP proposal
- owner’s approval of the
CM’s control estimate - or the owner’s issuance of a notice to proceed
23
Q
What is the purposed of architect’s site visits?
A
To endeavor to guard the owner against defects and deficiencies in the work
To determine if the work is progressing in such a way that it will be in accordance with the contract documents when
completed
24
Q
If work on the construction site has to be uncovered and is found to be conforming, who pays for the uncovering?
A
the owner
25
If work on the construction site has to be uncovered and is found to be not conforming, who pays for the uncovering?
contractor
26
Who pays for special inspections?
the owner
27
In a sustainable project, who registers the project with the certifying authority?
the architect
27
Directed acceleration
owner instructs the contractor to speed up and agrees to pay the additional costs associated with the change (directed through a change order)
28
Voluntary Acceleration
the contractor may decide to accelerate the work because it has fallen behind the original schedule, the construction company is trying to finish the work early to collect a bonus, or they want to move personnel to another job
29
Constructive Acceleration
a situation may occur that causes an excusable or unavoidable delay, such as caused by weather, deliveries, or change orders, but the extra time is neither requested by the contractor nor granted by the owner.
The contractor must determine how to speed up the process to meet the project deadline.
Contractor may choose to file a claim for damages if the extra time is warranted but not given and the contractor had to incur extra expenses to complete the work on time
30
What makes something a "minor change in the work"?
Change does not involve modification of the contract sum or time and is consistent with the contract documents
Architect may issue a written order directing the contractor to make a minor change
31
Does the Architect need approval of the owner or contractor to issue an order for a minor change?
No
32
What form does an architect use for a minor change in the work?
G710 “Architects Supplemental Instructions”
33
What form do you use when a time sensitive change must be made, but owner and contractor do not agree on who will pay or schedule changes?
AIA Document G714, Construction Change Directive
34
Who can suggest a change order?
architect, contractor, or owner
35
Who prepares the change order & who issues it?
Architect prepares, owner issues
36
What constitutes a change order?
A document authorizing a variation from the original contract documents that involves a change in contract price, contract
time, or both
37
Who must approve a change order?
architect, owner, & contractor
38
What AIA document is an RFI?
AIA Document G716, Request for Information (RFI)
39
How many days before a schedule payment date must a contractor submit an application for payment?
10 days
40
What is in an application for payment?
value of the work (labor & materials) completed up to date of the application and value of materials purchased and in acceptable storage
41
Earned Value Management (earned value analysis)
Project management technique used to determine the schedule of values
Attempts to predict both the time and money (or % of overall project budget) that is required to complete certain tasks
Actual time and money expended can be compared to the budgeted amounts to determine how the project is
progressing
42
For what reasons can the architect withhold payment?
Defective work not remedied
Third-party claims or evidence of probability of third-party claims
Known failure of the contractor to make payments to subcontractors
Reasonable evidence that the work cannot be completed for the unpaid balance of the contract sum
Damage to the owner or a separate contractor
Reasonable evidence that the work will not be completed on time and that the unpaid balance will not be sufficient to
cover damages due to the delay
Repeated failure of the contractor to carry out the work in accordance with the contract documents
43
What must the contractor submit to the architect before the final certificate of payment is ready?
An affidavit stating that payrolls, materials, and other debts for which the owner might be responsible have been paid (AIA Document G706, Contractor's Affidavit of Payment of Debts and Claims often used)
A certificate showing that insurance required by the contract documents to remain in force after final payment will not
be canceled or allowed to expire without at least 30 days' written notice to the owner
A written statement that the contractor knows of no reason that the insurance will not be renewable
The consent of surety to final payment, if applicable
AIA Document G707, Consent of Surety to Final Payment may be used
Any other data required by the owner that establishes evidence of payment of obligations, such as releases and waivers
of liens
44
What needs to be done to accept nonconforming work?
need owner's approval
note the deviation on the field report
if the work is less expensive - owner can request a credit
if work is more expensive & error is the contractor's - contractor pays
45
what is the window of time to make a claim?
first 21 days after it happens or is recognized
46
who is the first to deal with a claim?
initial decision maker
(architect)
47
how long does the IDM have to take prelim action on a claim?
10 days
48
what are possible actions of the IDM on a claim?
Requesting additional supporting data from the claimant
Suggesting a compromise
Accepting the claim
Rejecting the claim
Advising the parties that the IDM is unable to resolve the claim because of a lack of sufficient information
Advising the parties that it would be inappropriate for the IDM to resolve the claim
49
what are the three basic stages of commissioning:
Determining performance requirements
Planning the commissioning process
Performance and functional testing
50
Owner's Project Requirements (OPR)
A summary of the critical planning requirements and owner expectations
Can be extensive in a complex or large project
Should be updated by the commissioning team as the project progresses
51
Basis of Design (BOD)
Explains how the OPR have been satisfied by the proposed design
OPR are broad statements regarding the performance of the building systems, the BOD is a more technical
document used for systems selections, integrations, and sequence of operations
52
How many days before the receipt of bids can a contractor ask a question?
7
53
What type if bond guarantees payment for material and labor by a defaulting Contractor?
A labor and materials payment bond
54
What are the 2 pre-construction stages of an IPD project?
Agency review and buyout
55
What is the submittal naming methodology?
[Specification Division] – [Number of submittal (in 2 digits with any leading zeros)] [Alphabetic Version of Submittal]
######-##X
56
What project phases should a commissioning agent be involved in?
From the programming phase up-to completion and through post occupancy.
57
If the architect's fee is based on a percentage of construction costs, is the architect entitled to more fee if the owner selects a bidding contractor who exceeds the estimated construction costs?
yes
58
What should an application for payment include?
Value of labor
Value of materials
Value of materials in storage
Value of the insurance costs for storing material off site
59
Who pays for uncovering work if the architect had instructed contractor not to cover it?
contractor
60
Is the architect responsible for inspecting the work of the Owner's consultants (if any)?
No, the Architect is only responsible for certifying substantial completion on the scope of work they were contracted under.
61
Is the architect responsible for inspecting the work of their consultants?
Yes, but often you would have then certify their own work as well and attach it to the architect's
62
Name 2 cost control functions that are the architect's responsibility in a design-build.
Cost estimate of the Architect’s segment of Work in the project
Provide evaluations of the design-builder’s budget for the Work
63
Who is responsible for errors or mistakes in construction noticed after substantial completion (and not on the punch list)?
The Owner
64
What must the Contractor submit to the Architect before final payment?
an affidavit that payrolls, bills for materials and equipment, and other debts connected to the project have been paid
a certificate showing that the required insurance will remain in effect for the agreed upon duration
a written statement that the Contractor is unaware of any reason an insurance company would not renew it’s coverage
consent of surety
if required by Owner, other data showing payment or satisfaction of obligations (receipts, waivers of liens, etc.)
65
Who is responsible if a material tested on site does not meet the standard set forth in the contract documents?
the contractor
66
What type of submittals should the Architect return without reviewing?
Any documents that have been submitted for their review that are not within the scope of the Architect’s services. This includes anything that has to do with the means and methods of a project or the safety on the construction site.
example:
crane support details
temporary safety designs
earth retention designs
67
What should the architect do if work outlined in a change order will extend beyond the architect's scope of work?
notify the owner that it is an additional service
68
List the 4 main sitework activities in order.
site clearing – removing any vegetative cover.
remove topsoil – removed so it can be replaced later. Topsoil should be removed after site clearing so that any vegetative cover that needs to be removed is not a hinderance.
rough grading – rough elevations during construction.
finish grading – last step to get the final elevations.
69
After receiving and approving the Application for payment, how long does the Architect have to issue the Owner a certificate for payment?
7 days
70
The Contractor warrants that the title to all Work shall be transferred to the Owner at what point?
The Contractor warrants that the title to all Work shall be transferred to the Owner no later than the time of payment.
71
When is the Contractor permitted to make substitutions?
unavailability of product
regulatory changes
prohibitive warranty conditions
72
During the buyout phase of integrated project delivery, what are the main responsibilities of the Architect?
ensuring the integrity of the design and answering questions from bidders
73
Which party is required to maintain records of Applications and Certificates of payment?
According to the AIA B101 §3.6.3.3, “The Architect shall maintain a record of the Application and Certificates of Payment.”
74
On a project utilizing integrated project delivery (IPD) what are the 3 different approaches taken?
Multi-party agreements
Transitional forms
A single-purpose entity
75
What does a life-cycle assessment analysis evaluate?
Economic performance of a material or building system over the service Iife of the material or system
76
List 3 things that would be included in a bid form
77
What are 3 basic methods of preparing budgets and estimating costs during programming/schematic phases?
project comparison method
area method
assembly method / system method
78
What are 3 methods to refine a project budget?
Parameter method (sf)
Matrix costing
Unit cost method
79
What is the Project Comparison Method? When should it be used? How accurate is it?
Cost of a project is estimated using costs of past projects of similar scope/function.
use EARLY, aka when setting a budget or determining feasibility.
typ accurate within 15-25%
80
What is the Area Method? When should it be used? How accurate is it?
Average cost per unit of area or volume.
use when preliminary design is completed to have a better idea of project size, functional components, and level of quality/complexity
typ accurate within 5-15%
81
What is the Assembly Method / System Method? When should it be used? How accurate is it?
Historical cost information is applied to each subsystem of the design (foundations, wall finishes, roofing, HVAC, etc), including markups for C’s overhead/profit and other construction admin costs
Use during SD, when more is known about space requirements and general configuration
Accuracy within 10%
82
What is the Parameter Method? When should it be used? By who?
Involves expanded itemization of construction quantities and assignment of unit costs to these quantities (ie “floor finishes” → “carpeting, vinyl tile, wood, unfinished concrete, etc”)
Use in DD / early CD phases
Used most often by Architects to refind the construction budget
83
What is the Matrix Costing method? When should it be used? By who?
Matrix shows various alternatives with individual elements that will contribute to final cost. Includes C’s overhead & profit
Use in DD
Architect
84
What is the Unit Cost Method? When should it be used? By who?
Project is broken down into individual building components and labor needed to install them, including material & labor costs, cost of equipment/fees/services, C’s overhead & profit
Most accurate, but can only be used when CDs and specs are complete
Contractor use when determining bid or negotiated proposal
85
What are Unit Prices? When are they used?
Set costs for certain portions of work, based on an individual quantity
Used when full extent of portion of work is unknown (ie paving), so a unit cost (ie sf) for that component is requested
86
With which kind of project delivery method are the architect’s duties and responsibilities during preconstruction most limited?
A. Construction Manager as Adviser
B. Design - Bid - Build
C. Design - Build
D. Integrated Project Delivery
D. Integrated Project Delivery. When IPD is used , the architect’s responsibilities are more limited than in the other three methods because the bidding or negotiation for large portions of the work has already been done. The architect is still responsible for working with permitting agencies to ensure code compliance, answering questions from subcontractors and vendors bidding for relatively small portions of the work, and reviewing prefabrication studies.
87
Who is responsible to pay for retesting a building element after failure?
AIA Document A201, section 13.5.3 requires the contractor to be responsible for all costs made necessary by failures, including costs of repeated tests.
88
Who is responsible for tests, inspections, and approvals of portions of the work required by the contract documents or by laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of public authorities?
the contractor
89
Who is required to agree to a construction change directive?
owner & architect
90
Which 2 of the following services is not included in the architect’s basic services for project closeout?
A. forwarding written warranties to the owner
B. sending a consent of surety to the owner
C. Commissioning
D. Meeting with the owner to determine the need for facility operation services.
E. Post-occupancy walk through within one year
F. Transfer project insurance from the contractor to the owner
C & F
91
What test determines concrete workability?
The Kelly ball test measures the workability of the uncured concrete. Workability is influenced by the proportions of cement, aggregate, water, and admixtures included in the mix and the shape and size of the aggregates. A metal ball is dropped into freshly poured concrete, and the depression formed by the ball is measured and compared to the slump test results.
92
What test determines concrete moisture levels?
The electrical impedance test is used to access the moisture level of a slab by measuring the amount of electricity conducted through the material. Slabs with a greater moisture content conduct more electricity.
93
What test determines concrete strength?
the cylinder test involves breaking a cylinder formed of concrete from a specific pour in order to test the concrete’s compressive strength at prescribed intervals (usually 7, 14, 21, or 28 days) during the curing process.
94
When does concrete gain the most compressive strength?
The first 0-3 days of curing
95
What do surveyors use to mark the limits of excavation and building footprint?
A transit is a surveying tool used to determine the elevation points on a site. It is typically mounted on a tripod for stability. Transits can be as sophisticated as a laser level with a sight that “shoots” elevations using a prism, or as simple as a handled scope.
96
Who verifies the building systems - contractor or building commissioning agent?
contractor
97
what are 4 things building commissioning provides?
increased energy efficiency
improve indoor air quality
a comprehensive training program for maintenance staff (conducted either by the commissioning agent or the contractor)
organized operations and maintenance manuals (assembled by the contractor, design professional, or commissioning agent)
98
Does the architect approve the construction schedule?
No
99
Does the architect approve the contractor's proposed schedule of submittals?
Yes, the architect must approve the contractor’s proposed schedule of submittals at the start of the project. This is to ensure that there will be a reasonable amount of time allowed for the architect to review the submittal, for the contractor to make corrections or revisions as necessary based upon the architect’s review, and for the architect to approve the submittal without delaying the progress of the work.
100
How do change orders affect surety? Whose responsibility is that?
Increases (or in some cases decreases) the coverage amount needed.
Contractor is responsible for notifying the surety of change orders
101
What types of claims is the IDM not required for?
hazardous materials
emergencies
losses covered by insurance
102
Who has authority to reject nonconforming work?
the Architect
103
When reviewing applications for payment, what must the architect do?
Determine if the completed work will be in accordance with the contract documents.
Become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work.
Keep the owner informed about the progress of the work.
Endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work.
104
In what order should project closeout activities take place?
(out of: consent of surety, substantial completion, final inspection, final payment, punch list, final certificate for payment)
Contractor compiles punch list, architect issues certificate of substantial completion, architect receives notice from contractor that the project is ready for final inspection, architect prepares the final certificate for payment, consent of surety is received and final payment to the contractor is issued.
105
Which project management tools or approaches requires developing a project schedule that associates time and budget allowances with each activity?
A project monitoring chart is an architectural project management tool that is used to predict both the time and the amount of money (or percentage of the overall project budget) needed to complete certain tasks. The actual time and money expended during the project can be compared periodically to the budgeted numbers in order to determine whether or not the project is on track.
106
What may the Architect do if the actual cost of work given from the selected bidding contractor exceeds what was originally budgeted as percent of the Architect's professional fees?
Accept a lower profit margin
Decline to continue working
Negotiate with the Owner to reduce the scope of the project or the scope of the Architect's services
107
What is the Architect's only documented representation that a project has been completed?
Final certificate for payment
108
What could be consequences of a poorly prepared set of bid documents?
Bid prices may be higher due to the contractor’s uncertainty of the items.
A low number of bidders. When there is uncertainty in what is being bid, contractors may be hesitant to submit bids at all.
109
What form is the Application and Certificate for Payment?
G702
110
Who signs the Application and Certificate for Payment?
Architect & Contractor
111
A submittal which requires the Architect's review and approval is referred to as what?
Action submittal
112
Does the Architect of a design-build project need to review the contractor's application for payment?
Yes
113
What's the difference between an application for payment and certificate of payment?
The Contractor submits the application for payment to the Architect for review and approval.
The Architect then submits a certificate of payment to the Owner for release of payment.
114
what are 3 conditions for the contractor to make a substitution?
the consent of the Owner
after evaluation by the Architect
in accordance with a Change Order or Construction Change Directive
115
The Architect elects to have the Contractor transmit submittals directly to his/her consultants for work within their scope. After the consultant's review, what action should the Architect take?
Return the submittal to the Contractor
116
What 3 things do shop drawings include?
drawings
diagrams
schedules
117
Who pays for tests, inspections and reports required by law or the Contract Documents?
the owner
118
what 3 things may the architect attach to the Certificate of Substantial completion?
A list of uncompleted punch list items
A list of any Owner-accepted non-conforming work
The certificates of substantial completion from any of the Architect’s consultants
119
what issues may come from hydrostatic pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure can cause major structural damage to foundation walls and is likely to contribute to mold, mildew, decay, and other moisture-related problems.
Hydrostatic pressure forces water in through cracks in foundation walls, and through openings caused by expansion and contraction of the footing-foundation wall joint, or up through floor cracks.
120
What occurs if the Contractor fails to submit a submittal schedule?
The Contractor waives their right to any increase in contract sum or contract time based on the required time for submittals
121
List 3 types of submittals:
Shop drawings
samples
product data
122
Which type of submittal is NOT reviewed by the Architect?
An informational submittal is not reviewed by the Architect. It is submitted by the Contractor to inform that Architect that he/she has met the contractual submittal obligations.
123
What is convergent photogrammetry?
a method of surveying that uses multiple photos taken at different angles. Software stitches the photos together so that measurements can be taken from them.
124
How expensive is convergent photogrammetry? How fast? and How accurate?
relatively inexpensive
slower than laser scanning
has an accuracy of about ±0.05%
125
Who signs the certificate of substantial completion?
Architect, Contractor, and Owner
126
On the job site, the Contractor uncovers conditions that differ from the contract documents. How long does the Contractor have to provide notice to the Owner and Architect?
14 days
