Domain 2: Project Initiation

Question 1

A. Participate in the bidding process.
B. Identify the Owner’s bidding requirements.
C. Participate in the constructability review of project design.
D. Review schedules for omissions, conflicts, and unrealistic timeframes.
E. Ensure that bid addenda, accepted alternates, and negotiations are incorporated into the project scope of work.
F. Provide guidance on contract administration policies and procedures.
G. Communicate with the contracting parties during the construction process.
H. Understand relationships, roles, and responsibilities of the project team related to subcontracts and subcontractors.

Question 2

The period between the procurement phase (bidding/negotiating/purchasing) and the beginning of actual construction work on the site is known as

A. Preconstruction

B. Conception

C. Schematic Design

D. Contract Documents

Answer 2

A. Preconstruction

CCAPG - 2.1 Preconstruction page 65

Question 3

It is during Preconstruction that the following generally occurs depending on the project delivery method being used:

Answer 3

• If the project has been bid among prospective contractors, a successful bidder is identified by the owner to be the contractor.
• A letter of intent to award the contract is issued by the owner to the successful bidder.
• An owner-contractor agreement is executed; the successful bidder is now the contractor.
• Bonds, if any, are furnished by the contractor and delivered to the owner.
• Insurance certificates are furnished by the contractor and delivered to the owner.
• Building permits are issued by the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
• A notice to proceed is issued by the owner if the date is not stipulated in the agreement.
• The contractor starts buying out the project and awarding subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Site conditions are verified.
• A preconstruction meeting or conference is held.
• The contractor mobilizes onto the site.

Question 4

Subcontracts are contracts between the contractor and _______________.

Answer 4

Subcontracts are contracts between the contractor and subcontractors.

Question 5

For the purposes of this chapter, the term contractor applies to the construction manager at risk and the term “subcontract” or “subcontractor” applies to the entity holding an agreement with the construction manager at risk.

Answer 5

For the purposes of this chapter, the term contractor applies to the construction manager at risk and the term “subcontract” or “subcontractor” applies to the entity holding an agreement with the construction manager at risk.

Question 6

Upon receipt of the notice of award, the contractor has much work to do in relatively short time frame, beginning with the assembly of the project team that will be constructing the project.

Answer 6

Upon receipt of the notice of award, the contractor has much work to do in relatively short time frame, beginning with the assembly of the project team that will be constructing the project.

Question 7

During buyout, the contractor is responsible for selecting and hiring the project’s subcontractors and pricing the project accordingly.

Answer 7

During buyout, the contractor is responsible for selecting and hiring the project’s subcontractors and pricing the project accordingly.

Question 8

Bid shopping or price shopping is one example of an unethical negotiation practice. In construction law, bid shopping is the practice of divulging a contractor’s or subcontractor’s bid to other prospective contractor(s) or subcontractor(s) before the award of a contract in order to secure a lower bid.

Answer 8

Bid shopping or price shopping is one example of an unethical negotiation practice. In construction law, bid shopping is the practice of divulging a contractor’s or subcontractor’s bid to other prospective contractor(s) or subcontractor(s) before the award of a contract in order to secure a lower bid.

Question 9

To reduce the potential for bid shopping, some procurement documents require that bidders list some or all subcontractors in their bids or within a short period after the bid opening.

Answer 9

To reduce the potential for bid shopping, some procurement documents require that bidders list some or all subcontractors in their bids or within a short period after the bid opening.

Question 10

After receipt of a signed agreement, the contractor engages in final negotiations prior to the end of the buyout stage. If prices received from two suppliers or subcontractors were very close in quoted price and the contractor did not list one of the subcontractors or suppliers in the contractor’s bid, then the contractor can negotiate with each subcontractor or supplier postbid.

Answer 10

After receipt of a signed agreement, the contractor engages in final negotiations prior to the end of the buyout stage. If prices received from two suppliers or subcontractors were very close in quoted price and the contractor did not list one of the subcontractors or suppliers in the contractor’s bid, then the contractor can negotiate with each subcontractor or supplier postbid.

Question 11

Several items may be considered in selecting and negotiating with potential subcontractors and suppliers. Negotiated terms should be clearly spelled out in the subcontract or purchase order. Suppliers often offer an early payment discount, such as “2 net 10,” which means a two percent discount can be taken if payment is made by the tenth day of the month. Other items to consider when negotiating with suppliers include the following:

• Responsibility for paying the cost of shipping products or materials to the site
• Inclusion of shop drawings and required submittals at no additional charge
• Price escalations for an ongoing commodity that will be provided over time on a project with long duration
• Ability to meet the contractor’s schedule

Answer 11

Several items may be considered in selecting and negotiating with potential subcontractors and suppliers. Negotiated terms should be clearly spelled out in the subcontract or purchase order. Suppliers often offer an early payment discount, such as “2 net 10,” which means a two percent discount can be taken if payment is made by the tenth day of the month. Other items to consider when negotiating with suppliers include the following:

• Responsibility for paying the cost of shipping products or materials to the site
• Inclusion of shop drawings and required submittals at no additional charge
• Price escalations for an ongoing commodity that will be provided over time on a project with long duration
• Ability to meet the contractor’s schedule

Question 12

Subcontracts and purchase orders must be clearly written and require compliance with the contract documents in order to minimize questions that may arise later. The decision to issue a purchase order or subcontract can be affected by several criteria:

• When on-site labor will be performed, such as site excavation and grading, placement of rebar, erection of structural steel, or application of finishes, a subcontract is appropriate.
• The contract requirements may indicate that an installer or applicator is required to be a licensed subcontractor or authorized agent of the manufacturer.
• The cost of the work to be performed may exceed certain monetary limitations placed on the use of purchase orders.
• The type of service to be provided may indicate which document to use. Sometimes short-term specialty work can be covered by a purchase order.
• A hybrid document may be more appropriate. A supply contract usually has more contractual detail and requirements than a standard purchase order, and though it resembles a subcontract, it does not address on-site labor.

Answer 12

Subcontracts and purchase orders must be clearly written and require compliance with the contract documents in order to minimize questions that may arise later. The decision to issue a purchase order or subcontract can be affected by several criteria:

• When on-site labor will be performed, such as site excavation and grading, placement of rebar, erection of structural steel, or application of finishes, a subcontract is appropriate.
• The contract requirements may indicate that an installer or applicator is required to be a licensed subcontractor or authorized agent of the manufacturer.
• The cost of the work to be performed may exceed certain monetary limitations placed on the use of purchase orders.
• The type of service to be provided may indicate which document to use. Sometimes short-term specialty work can be covered by a purchase order.
• A hybrid document may be more appropriate. A supply contract usually has more contractual detail and requirements than a standard purchase order, and though it resembles a subcontract, it does not address on-site labor.

Question 13

Subcontracts are contracts between the contractor and subcontractors. Under the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) documents for construction manager at risk, the construction manager has a separate agreement with “contractors” for each work item. For the purposes of this chapter, the term contractor applies to the construction manager at risk and the term “subcontract” or “subcontractor” applies to the entity holding an agreement with the construction manager at risk. Each subcontract identifies the work required and is subject to compliance with the contract documents. Similarly, subcontractors can establish contracts with sub-subcontractors. Subcontract issues may include the number of mobilizations and demobilizations, required inclusions and exclusions, project schedules, special requirements for subcontracted work, testing requirements, submittals, and samples.

Answer 13

Subcontracts are contracts between the contractor and subcontractors. Under the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) documents for construction manager at risk, the construction manager has a separate agreement with “contractors” for each work item. For the purposes of this chapter, the term contractor applies to the construction manager at risk and the term “subcontract” or “subcontractor” applies to the entity holding an agreement with the construction manager at risk. Each subcontract identifies the work required and is subject to compliance with the contract documents. Similarly, subcontractors can establish contracts with sub-subcontractors. Subcontract issues may include the number of mobilizations and demobilizations, required inclusions and exclusions, project schedules, special requirements for subcontracted work, testing requirements, submittals, and samples.

Question 14

Whether using a standard or a custom form, it is important for the subcontract to contain flow-down language. This language ensures that the duties, rights, and responsibilities are properly delegated and that the terms are consistent with the provisions of the agreement between the owner and the contractor. The subcontract should reference the entire package of contract documents - not just those sheets or specification sections related to an individual subcontractor. Using standardized subcontractor agreement forms compatible with the contractor agreement and conditions of the contract ensures the use of flow-down language.

Answer 14

Whether using a standard or a custom form, it is important for the subcontract to contain flow-down language. This language ensures that the duties, rights, and responsibilities are properly delegated and that the terms are consistent with the provisions of the agreement between the owner and the contractor. The subcontract should reference the entire package of contract documents - not just those sheets or specification sections related to an individual subcontractor. Using standardized subcontractor agreement forms compatible with the contractor agreement and conditions of the contract ensures the use of flow-down language.

Question 15

When preparing subcontracts it is important to address when the subcontractor will receive payment from the contractor. Some subcontracts prescribe that the subcontractor will be paid within a certain number of days after the contractor is paid by the owner. These are commonly referred to as pay if when paid” or “pay if paid” clauses.

Answer 15

When preparing subcontracts it is important to address when the subcontractor will receive payment from the contractor. Some subcontracts prescribe that the subcontractor will be paid within a certain number of days after the contractor is paid by the owner. These are commonly referred to as pay if when paid” or “pay if paid” clauses.

Question 16

Some jurisdictions prohibit contractual provisions such as “pay when paid” or “pay if paid” clauses because they may be against public policy.

Answer 16

Some jurisdictions prohibit contractual provisions such as “pay when paid” or “pay if paid” clauses because they may be against public policy.

Question 17

Subcontracts typically include requirements for the following:

• Payment and performance bonds
• Liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Certified payrolls and other required payroll reports
• Payment applications
• Submittals, samples, and mock-ups
• Warranties
• Record documents

Answer 17

Subcontracts typically include requirements for the following:

• Payment and performance bonds
• Liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Certified payrolls and other required payroll reports
• Payment applications
• Submittals, samples, and mock-ups
• Warranties
• Record documents

Question 18

Purchase orders are contracts for materials being purchased that reference the project specifications and include pertinent terms such as discounts, cost escalations, submittals, certifications required, samples required, freight, taxes, delivery schedule, and quantities.

Answer 18

Purchase orders are contracts for materials being purchased that reference the project specifications and include pertinent terms such as discounts, cost escalations, submittals, certifications required, samples required, freight, taxes, delivery schedule, and quantities.

Question 19

Purchase orders may include the following:

• Requirements for submittals, such as shop drawings, samples, and mockups
• Certifications and certificates of materials origin
• Testing requirements

Answer 19

Purchase orders may include the following:

• Requirements for submittals, such as shop drawings, samples, and mockups
• Certifications and certificates of materials origin
• Testing requirements

Question 20

The date of contract commencement is established by a notice to proceed.

Answer 20

The date of contract commencement is established by a notice to proceed.

Question 21

The EJCDC recognizes the notice to proceed as a significant contract document, because the period of time between signing the owner-contractor agreement and the beginning of construction may vary, depending on the time required for the contractor to obtain the insurance certificates, construction bonds, and other required documents.

Answer 21

The EJCDC recognizes the notice to proceed as a significant contract document, because the period of time between signing the owner-contractor agreement and the beginning of construction may vary, depending on the time required for the contractor to obtain the insurance certificates, construction bonds, and other required documents.

Question 22

The architect/engineer may prepare the notice to proceed; however, it is signed by the owner because the owner’s signature is required on all contractual authorizations to the contractor.

Answer 22

The architect/engineer may prepare the notice to proceed; however, it is signed by the owner because the owner’s signature is required on all contractual authorizations to the contractor.

Question 23

The documents typically used in the administration of a construction contract include the following:

• Owner-architect/engineer agreement
• Owner-contractor agreement(s)
• Conditions of the contract
• Specifications
• Drawings
• Bid form or proposal, when attached as an exhibit to the agreement
• Precontract revisions, including addenda with items relating to contract documents
• Notice to proceed
• Contract modifications, including change orders

Answer 23

The documents typically used in the administration of a construction contract include the following:

• Owner-architect/engineer agreement
• Owner-contractor agreement(s)
• Conditions of the contract
• Specifications
• Drawings
• Bid form or proposal, when attached as an exhibit to the agreement
• Precontract revisions, including addenda with items relating to contract documents
• Notice to proceed
• Contract modifications, including change orders

Question 24

Project participants need access to the contract documents in order to perform their work properly. At a minimum, this access should include the agreement, drawings, specifications, conditions of the contract, modifications, and addenda.

Answer 24

Project participants need access to the contract documents in order to perform their work properly. At a minimum, this access should include the agreement, drawings, specifications, conditions of the contract, modifications, and addenda.

Question 25

It is very important for the contractor and all subcontractors to work with complete sets of contract documents. As such, all participants must add addenda, revised drawings, minor changes, change directives, and change orders to the drawings and specifications.

Answer 25

It is very important for the contractor and all subcontractors to work with complete sets of contract documents. As such, all participants must add addenda, revised drawings, minor changes, change directives, and change orders to the drawings and specifications.

Question 26

Posting addenda to the construction documents is an important function of CCA and contractor project management.

Answer 26

Posting addenda to the construction documents is an important function of CCA and contractor project management.

Question 27

The duties and responsibilities listed below do not apply for the owner’s benefit on design-build projects because the designer has no direct agreement with the owner.

• Project Representation. Usually, an additional service that provides the owner with more extensive or full-time on-site representation during construction. The owner may retain the architect/engineer to provide this service.
• Supplemental Services. Activities that are related to CCA, but that are beyond the architect/engineer’s basic services, such as preparation of record documents and coordination of separate work awarded by the owner, including furniture, furnishings, and equipment as well as selection and placement of art.
• Additional Services. Services such as reviewing substitutions during construction.
• Owner’s Responsibilities. A listing that describes certain owner’s responsibilities during construction, such as making progress payments to the contractor.

Answer 27

The duties and responsibilities listed below do not apply for the owner’s benefit on design-build projects because the designer has no direct agreement with the owner.

• Project Representation. Usually, an additional service that provides the owner with more extensive or full-time on-site representation during construction. The owner may retain the architect/engineer to provide this service.
• Supplemental Services. Activities that are related to CCA, but that are beyond the architect/engineer’s basic services, such as preparation of record documents and coordination of separate work awarded by the owner, including furniture, furnishings, and equipment as well as selection and placement of art.
• Additional Services. Services such as reviewing substitutions during construction.
• Owner’s Responsibilities. A listing that describes certain owner’s responsibilities during construction, such as making progress payments to the contractor.

Question 28

The owner-contractor agreement typically includes articles relating to the following:

Contract Documents. A detailed list of all written and graphic documents that are part of the contract. The individual responsible for CCA should ensure that all parties to the contract are referencing the same documents. The dates and titles of the documents and the number of pages in each need to be checked against the agreement to ensure the correct documents are being used.

Electronic models and Building Information Modeling (BIM) may be outlined as supplementary resources.

Contract Time. Start and completion dates or allotted calendar days for the project.

Contract Sum. The basis on which applications for payment will be made. Includes the listing of any unit prices, allowances, and accepted alternates.

Payment Procedures. Identifies when the contractor will submit applications for payment and when payment by the owner to the contractor will be made. This article also includes provisions for retainage.

Answer 28

The owner-contractor agreement typically includes articles relating to the following:

Contract Documents. A detailed list of all written and graphic documents that are part of the contract. The individual responsible for CCA should ensure that all parties to the contract are referencing the same documents. The dates and titles of the documents and the number of pages in each need to be checked against the agreement to ensure the correct documents are being used.

Electronic models and Building Information Modeling (BIM) may be outlined as supplementary resources.

Contract Time. Start and completion dates or allotted calendar days for the project.

Contract Sum. The basis on which applications for payment will be made. Includes the listing of any unit prices, allowances, and accepted alternates.

Payment Procedures. Identifies when the contractor will submit applications for payment and when payment by the owner to the contractor will be made. This article also includes provisions for retainage.

Question 29

The conditions of the contract typically contain the following general topics:

• General provisions and definitions
• Owner’s responsibilities
• Contractor’s responsibilities
• Architect/engineer’s responsibilities
• Subcontractors (definition and relationships)
• Construction by owner or separate contractors
• Changes in the work
• Contract time
• Payments to contractor and completion of work
• Protection of persons and property
• Insurance and bonds
• Correction, removal, or acceptance of defective work
• Miscellaneous provisions
• Suspension of work and termination of the contract
• Claims and disputes

Answer 29

The conditions of the contract typically contain the following general topics:

• General provisions and definitions
• Owner’s responsibilities
• Contractor’s responsibilities
• Architect/engineer’s responsibilities
• Subcontractors (definition and relationships)
• Construction by owner or separate contractors
• Changes in the work
• Contract time
• Payments to contractor and completion of work
• Protection of persons and property
• Insurance and bonds
• Correction, removal, or acceptance of defective work
• Miscellaneous provisions
• Suspension of work and termination of the contract
• Claims and disputes

Question 30

Division 00 contains procurement and contracting requirements. Divisions 01 through 49 contain the specifications.

Answer 30

Division 00 contains procurement and contracting requirements. Divisions 01 through 49 contain the specifications.

Question 31

Sections of Divisions 02 through 49, Specifications. Divisions 02 through 49 of the specifications have important CCA and contractor project management provisions within each section. Each of the three parts of a specification section (PART 1 - GENERAL, PART 2- PRODUCTS, and PART 3_ EXECUTION) has statements relating to fulfillment of the contract requirements. For example, the specifications within Divisions 02 through 49:

• Identify the specific requirements for each material or system along with relevant standards.
• Indicate submittal information required.
• Specify the QA and QC provisions.
• Indicate the requirements for product storage, handling, and installation.
• Indicate specific sequencing or scheduling requirements.
• Specify extended warranties.
• Indicate requirements for preparation, installation, and protection of work.
• Contain other subjects specific to the material, assembly, or system being specified.
• Verify the fulfillment of the obligations of each of these provisions is an important function of the architect/engineer.

Answer 31

Sections of Divisions 02 through 49, Specifications. Divisions 02 through 49 of the specifications have important CCA and contractor project management provisions within each section. Each of the three parts of a specification section (PART 1 - GENERAL, PART 2- PRODUCTS, and PART 3_ EXECUTION) has statements relating to fulfillment of the contract requirements. For example, the specifications within Divisions 02 through 49:

• Identify the specific requirements for each material or system along with relevant standards.
• Indicate submittal information required.
• Specify the QA and QC provisions.
• Indicate the requirements for product storage, handling, and installation.
• Indicate specific sequencing or scheduling requirements.
• Specify extended warranties.
• Indicate requirements for preparation, installation, and protection of work.
• Contain other subjects specific to the material, assembly, or system being specified.
• Verify the fulfillment of the obligations of each of these provisions is an important function of the architect/engineer.

Question 32

Drawings and electronic models are graphic representations of the work. They show materials, locations, dimensions, sizes, interrelationships of materials, details of connections, and shapes and forms.

Answer 32

Drawings and electronic models are graphic representations of the work. They show materials, locations, dimensions, sizes, interrelationships of materials, details of connections, and shapes and forms.

Question 33

Precontract revisions include addenda, which are written or graphic instruments issued to clarify, revise, add to, or delete information in the procurement documents or in previous addenda. Addenda are typically issued by the architect/ engineer before the bid or final negotiation.

Answer 33

Precontract revisions include addenda, which are written or graphic instruments issued to clarify, revise, add to, or delete information in the procurement documents or in previous addenda. Addenda are typically issued by the architect/ engineer before the bid or final negotiation.

Question 34

After execution of the agreement, contract documents can be modified by change orders, change directives, or minor changes.

Answer 34

After execution of the agreement, contract documents can be modified by change orders, change directives, or minor changes.

Question 35

It is the responsibility of each project team leader to distribute the construction documents to the leader’s team members.

Answer 35

It is the responsibility of each project team leader to distribute the construction documents to the leader’s team members.

Question 36

It is common practice for standards to be incorporated by reference in contract documents. The standards include very specific information about installation, tolerances, testing requirements, and inspections. Common standards that may be referenced include STM International, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. Including a reference in the contract documents is referred to as incorporation by reference and ensures that the reference becomes a part of the contract.

Answer 36

It is common practice for standards to be incorporated by reference in contract documents. The standards include very specific information about installation, tolerances, testing requirements, and inspections. Common standards that may be referenced include STM International, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. Including a reference in the contract documents is referred to as incorporation by reference and ensures that the reference becomes a part of the contract.

Question 37

Preconstruction submittals are required prior to commencement of work. Examples of such submittals include the following:

• Certificates of Insurance
• Construction Bonds
• Subcontractor and Product Lists
• Schedule of Values
• Schedule of Inspections and Testing
• Submittal Schedule
• Construction Progress Schedule

Answer 37

Preconstruction submittals are required prior to commencement of work. Examples of such submittals include the following:

• Certificates of Insurance
• Construction Bonds
• Subcontractor and Product Lists
• Schedule of Values
• Schedule of Inspections and Testing
• Submittal Schedule
• Construction Progress Schedule

Question 38

The contractor is responsible for preparing a construction progress schedule that shows the estimated start and completion dates of the major activities of the construction process.

Answer 38

The contractor is responsible for preparing a construction progress schedule that shows the estimated start and completion dates of the major activities of the construction process.

Question 39

Schedule Preparation

Preparation of an accurate and useful construction progress schedule is one of the most important reconstruction activities the contractor performs. Items to be considered include the following:

• The contractor sees the schedule as a roadmap, showing the beginning and completion points of the project. It is an extremely useful planning tool, which, when used properly, facilitates the smooth flow of work.
• To create an accurate and meaningful schedule, the contractor obtains schedules from all subcontractors and major suppliers. This information also includes submittals and the time required for preparation.
• Milestones are included in the construction progress schedule to facilitate evaluation of interim progress.
• For a construction progress schedule to be used successfully, all parties must regularly attend schedule meetings, participate with active input, and abide by any agreements.
• The schedule may have software requirements regarding how the schedule will be submitted.
• The critical path method (CPM) is the most commonly used scheduling technique. Refer to Domain 1-Project Records for further explanation of the CPM schedule.
• The contract documents often set criteria to be addressed by the contractor’s construction progress schedule. These may include:
  
  • Early start dates
  • Early finish dates
  • Late start dates
  • Late finish dates
  • Activity identification numbers
  • Activity descriptions
  • Project float
  • Resources
  • Interrelationships
  • Milestone dates

Answer 39

Schedule Preparation

Preparation of an accurate and useful construction progress schedule is one of the most important reconstruction activities the contractor performs. Items to be considered include the following:

• The contractor sees the schedule as a roadmap, showing the beginning and completion points of the project. It is an extremely useful planning tool, which, when used properly, facilitates the smooth flow of work.
• To create an accurate and meaningful schedule, the contractor obtains schedules from all subcontractors and major suppliers. This information also includes submittals and the time required for preparation.
• Milestones are included in the construction progress schedule to facilitate evaluation of interim progress.
• For a construction progress schedule to be used successfully, all parties must regularly attend schedule meetings, participate with active input, and abide by any agreements.
• The schedule may have software requirements regarding how the schedule will be submitted.
• The critical path method (CPM) is the most commonly used scheduling technique. Refer to Domain 1-Project Records for further explanation of the CPM schedule.
• The contract documents often set criteria to be addressed by the contractor’s construction progress schedule. These may include:
  
  • Early start dates
  • Early finish dates
  • Late start dates
  • Late finish dates
  • Activity identification numbers
  • Activity descriptions
  • Project float
  • Resources
  • Interrelationships
  • Milestone dates

Question 40

Adequate time for review or rejection by the architect/engineer should be included in the schedule.

Answer 40

Adequate time for review or rejection by the architect/engineer should be included in the schedule.

Question 41

The construction progress schedule should always include anticipated weather delays.

Answer 41

The construction progress schedule should always include anticipated weather delays.

Question 42

The critical path can be defined as the “head- to-tail path of sequential activities that requires the longest total time for accomplishment.”

Answer 42

The critical path can be defined as the “head- to-tail path of sequential activities that requires the longest total time for accomplishment.”

Question 43

Float is the amount of extra time available to an activity when all activities begin as early as possible.

Answer 43

Float is the amount of extra time available to an activity when all activities begin as early as possible.

Question 44

Weekly schedule meetings are common for large and complex projects involving multiple trades.

Answer 44

Weekly schedule meetings are common for large and complex projects involving multiple trades.

Question 45

Although the owner uses the schedule for planning and measuring work progress versus cost progress, it is the contractor’s responsibility to keep the schedule updated and current.

Answer 45

Although the owner uses the schedule for planning and measuring work progress versus cost progress, it is the contractor’s responsibility to keep the schedule updated and current.

Question 46

Standardized general conditions indicate that calendar days are to be used unless modified by supplementary conditions.

Answer 46

Standardized general conditions indicate that calendar days are to be used unless modified by supplementary conditions.

Question 47

Many contracts that indicate “time is of the essence also include liquidated damage provisions. This is the amount that the owner has determined it will cost to not have use of the facility.

Answer 47

Many contracts that indicate “time is of the essence also include liquidated damage provisions. This is the amount that the owner has determined it will cost to not have use of the facility.

Question 48

The dollar amount of liquidated damages is identified in the contract.

Answer 48

The dollar amount of liquidated damages is identified in the contract.

Question 49

An AHJ reviews the documents, requests additional information or clarification if necessary, and then issues the appropriate permits for construction. These permits usually include an overall building permit, supplemented by specialty permits for specific portions of the project:

Answer 49

An AHJ reviews the documents, requests additional information or clarification if necessary, and then issues the appropriate permits for construction. These permits usually include an overall building permit, supplemented by specialty permits for specific portions of the project:

Question 50

Procedural Meeting

This meeting (often referred to as the preconstruction meeting or conference) is held before the start of construction. This meeting is important for establishing the desired attitude and direction for the entire construction process. The purpose of the procedural meeting is to review and clarify:

• Individuals who represent the parties to the contract
• Individuals who have contractual authority to sign change orders and make binding decisions
• Responsibilities of the parties to the contract
• Lines of communication
• Duties of project personnel
• Contract documents to be distributed
• Submission requirements for the list of subcontractors, materials, equipment, and named products
• Procedures for measurement and payment, including the schedule of values and applications for payment
• Procedures for contract modifications, including minor changes, change directives, proposal requests, and change orders
• Preliminary schedule, construction progress schedule, and submittal schedule
• Importance of complete, correct, and timely submittals, as well as scheduled dates
• Critical issues
• Long-lead items and their relationship to critical dates
• Procedures for requests for information (RFIs)
• Submittal procedures for shop drawings, product data, and samples
• Requirements for quality control, quality assurance, and informational submittals
• Submittals required for closeout Product options and substitutions permitted, and explanation of the ground rules and procedures associated with them
• Procedures for field decisions and filing claims
• Procedures for testing and inspection, including timely notification when the work is ready for testing and inspection
• Responsibilities and limitations of authority of an inspection service or laboratory, and distribution of reports
• Maintaining construction tolerances
• Procedures for maintaining record documents
• Schedule for project meetings
• Date that the notice to proceed was issued and substantial and final completion date(s)
• Use of partnering (partnering sessions are often included in this meeting)
• Procedural meetings for sustainable projects may include environmental requirements and procedures:
  
  • Solid Waste Management Plan
  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan
  • Procedures for noise and acoustics management
  • Environmental Management Plan
  • Environmental Regulatory Requirements

Answer 50

Procedural Meeting

This meeting (often referred to as the preconstruction meeting or conference) is held before the start of construction. This meeting is important for establishing the desired attitude and direction for the entire construction process. The purpose of the procedural meeting is to review and clarify:

• Individuals who represent the parties to the contract
• Individuals who have contractual authority to sign change orders and make binding decisions
• Responsibilities of the parties to the contract
• Lines of communication
• Duties of project personnel
• Contract documents to be distributed
• Submission requirements for the list of subcontractors, materials, equipment, and named products
• Procedures for measurement and payment, including the schedule of values and applications for payment
• Procedures for contract modifications, including minor changes, change directives, proposal requests, and change orders
• Preliminary schedule, construction progress schedule, and submittal schedule
• Importance of complete, correct, and timely submittals, as well as scheduled dates
• Critical issues
• Long-lead items and their relationship to critical dates
• Procedures for requests for information (RFIs)
• Submittal procedures for shop drawings, product data, and samples
• Requirements for quality control, quality assurance, and informational submittals
• Submittals required for closeout Product options and substitutions permitted, and explanation of the ground rules and procedures associated with them
• Procedures for field decisions and filing claims
• Procedures for testing and inspection, including timely notification when the work is ready for testing and inspection
• Responsibilities and limitations of authority of an inspection service or laboratory, and distribution of reports
• Maintaining construction tolerances
• Procedures for maintaining record documents
• Schedule for project meetings
• Date that the notice to proceed was issued and substantial and final completion date(s)
• Use of partnering (partnering sessions are often included in this meeting)
• Procedural meetings for sustainable projects may include environmental requirements and procedures:
  
  • Solid Waste Management Plan
  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan
  • Procedures for noise and acoustics management
  • Environmental Management Plan
  • Environmental Regulatory Requirements

Question 51

Among the items that are considered during Site Mobilization Meetings are the following:

• Access to the site, such as construction entrance and egress locations, including access roads, parking restrictions, and site security
• Access to utilities for power, data, water, sewer, etc. for temporary site office(s) as well as use for project construction
• Environmental controls such as silt fences, biobags, inlet protection, temporary seeding and mulching, and oil booms and containment systems when working over or near water
• Material storage areas and allocation of space for contractor and subcontractor field offices and trailers
• Identification of benchmarks and data, including survey and layout of work
• Use of site and existing facilities by contractor and owner, including access to buildings or areas, use of elevators, use of toilet facilities, and maintenance of fire exits (public infrastructure projects might involve traffic control, detours, and barriers)
• Occupancy and use by owner, tenants, and public during the construction phase, including partial use and occupancy of completed work, and the related coordination of insurance requirements
• Separation of work areas, barriers, environmental controls, and dust control
• Maintenance of site, including traffic control, cleaning, trash removal, and snow removal, if applicable
• Hours of work, including requirements for noise control
• Protection of existing materials and equipment to remain in place
• Use of existing utilities, consumption limitations, and prior notification of interruption of services or system operations
• Project phasing or sequencing

Answer 51

Among the items that are considered during Site Mobilization Meetings are the following:

• Access to the site, such as construction entrance and egress locations, including access roads, parking restrictions, and site security
• Access to utilities for power, data, water, sewer, etc. for temporary site office(s) as well as use for project construction
• Environmental controls such as silt fences, biobags, inlet protection, temporary seeding and mulching, and oil booms and containment systems when working over or near water
• Material storage areas and allocation of space for contractor and subcontractor field offices and trailers
• Identification of benchmarks and data, including survey and layout of work
• Use of site and existing facilities by contractor and owner, including access to buildings or areas, use of elevators, use of toilet facilities, and maintenance of fire exits (public infrastructure projects might involve traffic control, detours, and barriers)
• Occupancy and use by owner, tenants, and public during the construction phase, including partial use and occupancy of completed work, and the related coordination of insurance requirements
• Separation of work areas, barriers, environmental controls, and dust control
• Maintenance of site, including traffic control, cleaning, trash removal, and snow removal, if applicable
• Hours of work, including requirements for noise control
• Protection of existing materials and equipment to remain in place
• Use of existing utilities, consumption limitations, and prior notification of interruption of services or system operations
• Project phasing or sequencing

Question 52

Issues that may be addressed at the utility meeting include:

• Establishing that the contract documents accurately reflect the work required and that they meet the utility providers’ stipulations.
• Identifying the best time for each utility provider to perform its work.
• Identifying the interface with other utility providers for work that must occur concurrently.
• Establishing duration of each utility provider’s work.
• Identifying the primary contact person.
• Establishing how much notification (lead time) each utility provider will require to mobilize.
• Identifying whether there are related costs that have not been identified.
• Determining or confirming who will do the locating work for each utility provider.
• Identifying special inspection requirements.

Regardless of the extent of the project, a utility coordination meeting might be required by utility providers as a precondition of future connection to utilities.

Answer 52

Issues that may be addressed at the utility meeting include:

• Establishing that the contract documents accurately reflect the work required and that they meet the utility providers’ stipulations.
• Identifying the best time for each utility provider to perform its work.
• Identifying the interface with other utility providers for work that must occur concurrently.
• Establishing duration of each utility provider’s work.
• Identifying the primary contact person.
• Establishing how much notification (lead time) each utility provider will require to mobilize.
• Identifying whether there are related costs that have not been identified.
• Determining or confirming who will do the locating work for each utility provider.
• Identifying special inspection requirements.

Regardless of the extent of the project, a utility coordination meeting might be required by utility providers as a precondition of future connection to utilities.

Question 53

Authorities Having Jurisdiction

The authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) may require reconstruction meetings. Participants may include the AHJs, the owner, the architect/engineer, the contractor, the testing laboratory, inspectors, and consultants. Typical topics include the following:

• Required permits and fees
• Advance notice required for inspections
• Routing of test reports
• Supplemental information that must be on-site at the time of inspection
• Fees for reinspection if work is not ready for inspection
• Public safety and impact of the project on the public

Answer 53

Authorities Having Jurisdiction

The authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) may require reconstruction meetings. Participants may include the AHJs, the owner, the architect/engineer, the contractor, the testing laboratory, inspectors, and consultants. Typical topics include the following:

• Required permits and fees
• Advance notice required for inspections
• Routing of test reports
• Supplemental information that must be on-site at the time of inspection
• Fees for reinspection if work is not ready for inspection
• Public safety and impact of the project on the public

Question 54

It is important to establish the site conditions prior to starting any construction activities, including mobilization.

Answer 54

It is important to establish the site conditions prior to starting any construction activities, including mobilization.

Question 55

if differing site conditions are encountered that will have an adverse effect on the work:

• If the conditions were inferable, the contractor is not entitled to additional money and/or time. If the contractor does not agree with the decision, the situation may escalate to become a claim.
• If the conditions were not inferable, the contractor is entitled to additional money and/or time.

Answer 55

if differing site conditions are encountered that will have an adverse effect on the work:

• If the conditions were inferable, the contractor is not entitled to additional money and/or time. If the contractor does not agree with the decision, the situation may escalate to become a claim.
• If the conditions were not inferable, the contractor is entitled to additional money and/or time.

Question 56

The contractor’s first activity on the project site is typically mobilization. Mobilization entails setting up the temporary facilities that the contractor will need to perform the work required by the project. Mobilization typically occurs after receipt of a notice to proceed and following a reconstruction meeting and a site mobilization meeting. The mobilization process has several elements that should be carefully planned and followed.

Question 57

The following should be considered when determining the cost of a change:

• Amount of contractor’s overhead and profit
• Method of crediting owner for deductions
• Unit prices to be used in determining the cost
• Confirmation of costs incurred by contractor
• Use (or not) of subcontractors to perform the work
• Equipment rental costs for both active and idle equipment
• Amount of time extension and related costs if applicable

Answer 57

The following should be considered when determining the cost of a change:

• Amount of contractor’s overhead and profit
• Method of crediting owner for deductions
• Unit prices to be used in determining the cost
• Confirmation of costs incurred by contractor
• Use (or not) of subcontractors to perform the work
• Equipment rental costs for both active and idle equipment
• Amount of time extension and related costs if applicable

Question 58

The time limit is the period of time allotted in the contract documents to achieve substantial completion of the project.

Answer 58

The time limit is the period of time allotted in the contract documents to achieve substantial completion of the project.

Question 59

Feedback should occur on a continual basis in order to be effective. The purpose of the evaluation and lessons learned process is to provide information to the project team so that they may learn from actual experience. The benefits include the following:

• Enhanced experience in various project types, materials, systems, and processes
• Input of valuable information for use on future projects
• Better quality assurance and control methods
• Refinement of innovative designs, materials, and construction techniques
• Identification of correctable situations for the benefit of future projects

Answer 59

Feedback should occur on a continual basis in order to be effective. The purpose of the evaluation and lessons learned process is to provide information to the project team so that they may learn from actual experience. The benefits include the following:

• Enhanced experience in various project types, materials, systems, and processes
• Input of valuable information for use on future projects
• Better quality assurance and control methods
• Refinement of innovative designs, materials, and construction techniques
• Identification of correctable situations for the benefit of future projects