PROJECT MANUAL AND SPECIFICATIONS

Question 1

What is a project manual?

Answer 1

Bound book containing all contract and noncontract documents, including technical specifications as well as other types of documents.

Question 2

What are the four parts of the project manual?

Answer 2

(1) bidding requirements
(2) parts of the contract itself (owner/contractor, bond forms)
(3) general and supplementary conditions of the contract
(4) technical specififcations

Question 3

What is included in the bidding requirements?

Answer 3

Invitation to bid, prequalifcation forms, instructions, information available, bid forms

Question 4

Supplements to a bid form might include?

Answer 4

Bid security form, subcontractor list, substitution list

Question 5

What are examples of contract forms?

Answer 5

Agreement (owner/contractor), performance bond, labor and materials payment bond, certificates of insurance

Question 6

What is a Prescriptive Specification?

Answer 6

Also called “Closed” Specifications, tell the contractor exactly what product or material to use.

Question 7

What is a performance specification?

Answer 7

Also called “Open” Specifications, tell the contractor what the result of the final construction assembly should achieve but does not mention trade names

Question 8

In a base bid specification with a list of several approved manufacturers, who has the burden to make sure the approved products are equal?

Answer 8

The Architect

Question 9

How does a base bid specification with “approved equal” language work?

Answer 9

Contractor can propose a substitution but it is subject to review by owner and architect.

Question 10

What types of prescriptive specifications are there?

Answer 10

Ones with an approved list of products and ones with approved equal language.

Question 11

Why is a performance specification difficult to write?

Answer 11

B/c architect must include all pertinent requirements for the construction and installation

Question 12

What is a reference standard specification?

Answer 12

Describes a material, product, or process based on requirements set by an accepted authority or test method

Question 13

What is ASTM?

Answer 13

American Society for Testing and Materials

Question 14

What is ANSI

Answer 14

American National Standards Institute

Question 15

What is UL?

Answer 15

Underwriters Laboratories

Question 16

What is a pure performance specification?

Answer 16

A statement setting criteria and results required of the item being specified, which can be verified by measurement, test evaluation, or other types of assurance that the final result meets the criteria. Encourages innovation by the contractor and manufacturer.

Question 17

What s the MasterFormat?

Answer 17

Developed by the Construction Specification Institute and Construction Specifications Canada to standardize the numbering and format of project-related information for use in specifying, cost estimating, and date filing.

Question 18

What is the previous organization of the specs before 2004 used for several decades?

Answer 18

16-Division Organization, with 5 digit numbers

Question 19

What do the 6 digits in the new MasterFormat system represent?

Answer 19

first two numbers are the division, the next pair represent the level-two hierarchy and the last par represent level three in hierarchy

Question 20

What are the three parts of a technical spec?

Answer 20

Part 1 - General, Part 2 - Products, Part 3 - Execution

Question 21

What does part 1 of the technical spec include?

Answer 21

Scope of the section, submittals required, quality assurance requirements, warranties, project conditions, and specs for delivery, storage, and handling of materials.

Question 22

What does part 2 of technical spec include?

Answer 22

Details materials and products themselves, including manufacturers, standards/test methods, etc..

Question 23

What does Part 3 of tech spec include?

Answer 23

how the products/materials will be installed, applied, or otherwise put into place. Describes examination and preperation requiered

Question 24

What is a MSDS?

Answer 24

Material Safety Data Sheet - is a listing of product safety information prepared by manufacturers and marketers of products containing toxic chemicals.

Question 25

Where would specifications regarding sustainability be addressed?

Answer 25

In Division 01 (General requirements) or in each of the individual technical sections

Question 26

Who is intended to use MSDSs?

Answer 26

By employers and emergency responders, rather than by consumers. Includes health effects of materials, first aid, safe storage and disposal guide, protective equipment required for handling, and procedures for handling leaks and spills

Question 27

What is an Exculpatory Clause?

Answer 27

Phrases that try to shift responsibility to the contractor or someone else