CSI Contract Administration & Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an architect issues a Supplemental Instruction (ASI), what is the primary characteristic that distinguishes it from a Change Order?
- It requires the owner's written approval
- It involves no change in contract sum or time (Correct answer)
- It must be signed by the contractor
- It applies only to structural modifications
Correct answer: It involves no change in contract sum or time
An ASI is used to clarify or supplement contract documents when no change in contract sum or contract time is involved.
Question 2: Under AIA A201, which party has the authority to stop the Work if it fails to conform to contract requirements?
- The contractor's superintendent
- The owner's lender
- The architect (Correct answer)
- The subcontractor's foreman
Correct answer: The architect
AIA A201 grants the architect authority to reject Work that does not conform to the contract documents and to order the Work stopped.
Question 3: A Request for Information (RFI) submitted by a contractor should ideally be responded to within what timeframe per standard contract administration practice?
- Same business day
- Within the time stated in the contract, typically 7–14 days (Correct answer)
- 30 calendar days
- 60 calendar days
Correct answer: Within the time stated in the contract, typically 7–14 days
Best practice and most contract documents specify an RFI response period, commonly 7–14 days, as defined in the contract.
Question 4: Which CSI MasterFormat division primarily addresses contract administration forms and closeout procedures?
- Division 00 — Procurement and Contracting Requirements
- Division 01 — General Requirements (Correct answer)
- Division 03 — Concrete
- Division 50 — Temporary Construction
Correct answer: Division 01 — General Requirements
Division 01 — General Requirements governs administrative procedures including submittals, RFIs, closeout, and record documents.
Question 5: During a pre-construction conference, which agenda item is MOST critical to establish for effective contract administration?
- Final material color selections
- Submittal review schedule and RFI log procedures (Correct answer)
- Owner's interior design preferences
- Subcontractor bid leveling
Correct answer: Submittal review schedule and RFI log procedures
Establishing the submittal schedule and RFI procedures at the pre-construction conference sets the administrative framework for the entire project.
Question 6: A Contractor's Application for Payment is typically certified by the architect based on what primary criterion?
- The contractor's projected cash flow needs
- Work completed and materials stored, per the schedule of values (Correct answer)
- Subcontractor invoices submitted to the GC
- Lender disbursement schedule
Correct answer: Work completed and materials stored, per the schedule of values
The architect certifies payment based on observed Work completed and materials suitably stored, measured against the approved Schedule of Values.
Question 7: Which document formally establishes that all punch list items have been resolved and the project is ready for final payment?
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Certificate of Substantial Completion
- Final Certificate for Payment (Correct answer)
- Notice of Completion
Correct answer: Final Certificate for Payment
The Final Certificate for Payment, issued by the architect after all punch list corrections, authorizes release of the final contract amount.
CSI Contract Administration & Communication 2
When an architect issues a Supplemental Instruction (ASI), what is the primary characteristic that distinguishes it from a Change Order?