CDT Contract Documents & Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What term describes a specification that establishes required end-result criteria without dictating materials or methods?
- Prescriptive specification
- Performance specification (Correct answer)
- Proprietary specification
- Base-bid specification
Correct answer: Performance specification
A performance specification defines the required outcome or measurable result, allowing the contractor to choose the means to achieve it.
Question 2: Which section of CSI MasterFormat is used for Division 01 – General Requirements?
- Project closeout only
- Administrative, procedural, and temporary facility requirements (Correct answer)
- Structural and civil work
- Mechanical and electrical coordination
Correct answer: Administrative, procedural, and temporary facility requirements
Division 01 covers project-wide administrative and procedural requirements such as submittals, quality control, and temporary facilities.
Question 3: What is a 'basis of design' product in a specification?
- The lowest-cost product approved for bidding
- The specific product used to establish design criteria against which substitutions are evaluated (Correct answer)
- A product mandated by a code requirement
- A generic product meeting minimum standards
Correct answer: The specific product used to establish design criteria against which substitutions are evaluated
A basis-of-design product is the specific item the designer used to establish dimensions, performance, and aesthetics, serving as the benchmark for substitution review.
Question 4: In a stipulated sum contract, who bears the risk if actual construction costs exceed the contract amount?
- The owner
- The architect
- The contractor (Correct answer)
- The subcontractors
Correct answer: The contractor
In a stipulated (lump) sum contract, the contractor agrees to complete the work for a fixed price and absorbs cost overruns.
Question 5: Which document type is used by the architect to issue minor clarifications that do not change the contract sum or time?
- Change Order
- Construction Change Directive
- Architect's Supplemental Instruction (Correct answer)
- Request for Proposal
Correct answer: Architect's Supplemental Instruction
An Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI) clarifies or interprets the contract documents without changing the contract sum or time.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'Division 00 – Procurement and Contracting Requirements' in a Project Manual?
- To specify materials for Division 03 Concrete
- To contain bidding forms, instructions to bidders, and contract forms (Correct answer)
- To establish temporary utilities requirements
- To list the project directory of subcontractors
Correct answer: To contain bidding forms, instructions to bidders, and contract forms
Division 00 contains the pre-contract documents such as invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, bid forms, and the executed contract forms.
CDT Contract Documents & Specifications 2
What term describes a specification that establishes required end-result criteria without dictating materials or methods?