CSI Product Selection & Substitution 2

Question 1

Under CSI standards, which party bears primary responsibility for evaluating whether a proposed substitution meets specification intent?

Accepted Answer

The architect or engineer of record

Answer

The architect or engineer of record is responsible for evaluating substitution requests to determine if they meet the design intent and specification requirements.

Question 2

Which MasterFormat section division most directly governs general substitution procedures applicable across all product categories?

Accepted Answer

Division 01 – General Requirements

Answer

Division 01 – General Requirements contains Section 01 25 00 (Substitution Procedures), which establishes the process for all product substitutions on a project.

Question 3

A contractor submits a substitution request 45 days after award of contract. The specification allows substitutions only within 30 days after award. The architect should:

Accepted Answer

Reject it as untimely unless the owner grants an extension

Answer

Specifications set contractual deadlines for substitution requests, and submissions received after the stated period should be rejected unless the owner formally extends the deadline.

Question 4

What distinguishes a 'product substitution' from a 'product option' in CSI specification language?

Accepted Answer

Options are pre-approved alternatives listed in the specification; substitutions require approval after bid

Answer

Product options are alternatives explicitly listed in the specification and pre-approved for use, while substitutions are proposed products not listed that require review and approval.

Question 5

When a specifier writes 'or approved equal' after a named product, which burden does this language place on the contractor?

Accepted Answer

The contractor must demonstrate equivalency in quality, performance, and features

Answer

The 'or approved equal' clause requires the contractor to prove the proposed product is equivalent in all material respects including performance, quality, and appearance.

(CSI) Construction Specifications Institute Certification Practice Test

(CSI) Construction Specifications Institute Certification Practice Test

CSI Product Selection & Substitution 2