Professional PracticesCE-428

Project ManualLecture 3

Project Manual

• Project manual , often referred to as the specifications, is a document that accompanies the drawings and includes information on how to bid the project, the contractual obligations of the successful contractor, and the specifications for the materials used in the construction

• However, the term “project manual” is being used here, when referring to the complete written document or a set of documents that accompanies the plans whereas the term “specifications” is used when referring to the material or technical specifications (plans, contract documents and technical specifications)

Project Manual

• The contractor is responsible for everything contained in the project manual and what is covered on the drawings

• There is tendency that the estimators just skim through the project manual. Skimming the project manual is risky and should be read thoroughly along with the drawings as it contains items ranging from the type of bonds and insurance required to the type, quality, and colour of materials used on the job

Project Manual

• The project manual is generally presented in the following format:

– Invitation to bid (advertisement for bidders)– Instructions to bidders– Bid (or proposal) forms– Form of owner / contractor agreement– Form of bid bond– Forms of performance bonds– General conditions of contract– Supplementary general conditions– Specifications (technical specifications)

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

• It has developed a standard format for organising the specifications known as the master format

• It sets standards for project manual and technical specifications

• Before 2004 the Master Format consisted of 17 divisions (0 through 16)

• In 2004 it was revised to include 50 divisions (0 through 49)

• For example division 3 covers Concrete (Precast concrete, Grouting, Mass concrete)

• See figure 3.1

Contents of Project Manual

• Invitation to Bid (advertisement for bids)

– In public construction the, public agencies must conform to the regulations that relate to the method they use in advertising for bids

– The notice of proposed bidding is posted in public places and on the internet and by advertising in the newspapers

– In private construction the, owners often do not advertise for bidders and they may choose to negotiate with the contractor of their choice

Contents of Project Manual

• Instructions to bidders (Information for bidders)– It is the document that states the procedures to

be followed by bidders– In what manner the bids must be delivered, the

time, date, and location of bid– Instructions may be different and should be read

carefully

Contents of Project Manual

– Proposals• It should be made sure where the bids are being received.

Typically bids will be returned unopened if they are submitted late

– Commencement and Completion• Work on the project will commence within a specified

period after the execution of contract

– Responsibility of Bidders• Contractors should read the responsibilities to bidders

section thoroughly. It indicates the importance of checking for all of the drawings and a complete project manual. The contractor should visit the site

Contents of Project Manual

• Award or Rejection of Bid– The owner has the right to;• Reject any or all bids• Accept a bid other than the lowest• Reject any proposal not prepared and submitted in

accordance with the contract documents

Contents of Project Manual

• Bid (Proposal) Forms– It stipulates the price for which the contractor

agrees to perform all of the work described in the contract documents

– It also ensures that if the owner accepts the proposal , the contractor will have to enter in to an agreement or the owner may keep the bid security

Contents of Project Manual

• Form of Owner/ Contractor Agreement– The owner/contractor agreement form spells out

exactly the type of or form of agreement between the owner and the contractor

– It may be a standard form published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Government agency form, Company form

Contents of Project Manual

• General Conditions– These are those conditions which normally apply

to all the aspects of the project– They may be:• Standard AIA general conditions• Company document• Government agency document

Contents of Project Manual

• Supplementary General Conditions– These are the conditions of the project which

supplements portions of the general conditions– Contractors must carefully check the

supplementary conditions as each set is different– Items which are normally covered consist of

insurance, bonds, and safety requirements etc.

Contents of Project Manual

• Specifications– Specifications as defined by the AIA, are the

written descriptions of materials, construction systems, and workmanship

– They include the types of materials required, their required performance and the method that must be used to obtain the specified result

Contents of Project Manual

• Alternates– The owner may request prices for alternate

methods or materials of construction– The alternates may be an add price or a deduct

price• Addenda– Modifies the contract documents after they have

been released and prior to the bid

Contents of Project Manual

• Errors in the Specifications– Errors should be brought to the attention of the

Architect or Engineer

– Requests for clarifications of the specifications should be submitted to the architect or engineer so that the clarification can be sent to all bidders