CST CST Contract & Procurement Scheduling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a construction project, what is the scheduler's primary responsibility related to procurement activities?
- Incorporating material and equipment delivery lead times into the project schedule (Correct answer)
- Negotiating vendor contracts on behalf of the owner
- Approving purchase orders for subcontractors
- Setting the final budget for procurement packages
Correct answer: Incorporating material and equipment delivery lead times into the project schedule
The scheduler integrates procurement lead times for long-lead materials and equipment into the project schedule to ensure deliveries are sequenced correctly with field installation activities.
Question 2: What is a 'Notice to Proceed' (NTP) and how does it affect the project schedule?
- An official authorization from the owner allowing the contractor to begin work, which triggers the schedule's start date (Correct answer)
- A notice issued when procurement is complete
- A contractor's formal acceptance of a change order
- The date when the first submittal is approved
Correct answer: An official authorization from the owner allowing the contractor to begin work, which triggers the schedule's start date
The Notice to Proceed is the owner's official authorization for the contractor to commence work, and it sets the contractual start date from which scheduled durations and completion dates are calculated.
Question 3: What type of contract delivery method typically gives the scheduler the most integration between design and construction schedules?
- Design-Build (DB) (Correct answer)
- Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Multiple Prime Contracts
Correct answer: Design-Build (DB)
Design-Build contracts unite design and construction under a single entity, enabling the scheduler to fully integrate design milestones and construction activities into one cohesive schedule.
Question 4: What is a 'submittal schedule' and why is it important to the overall project schedule?
- A schedule tracking required submittals, review cycles, and approval dates to ensure materials are approved before needed in the field (Correct answer)
- A daily report of materials delivered to the job site
- A list of all contract documents submitted at bid
- A schedule of contractor invoices for payment processing
Correct answer: A schedule tracking required submittals, review cycles, and approval dates to ensure materials are approved before needed in the field
A submittal schedule tracks when shop drawings, product data, and samples must be submitted and approved, ensuring that material procurement and installation activities are not delayed by late approvals.
Question 5: In a Design-Bid-Build project, what contractual document typically establishes the required schedule format and update requirements?
- The contract's Special Conditions or Division 01 Specifications (Correct answer)
- The project's request for information (RFI) log
- The contractor's cost-loaded payment application
- The subcontract agreement with each trade
Correct answer: The contract's Special Conditions or Division 01 Specifications
Division 01 General Requirements (or Special Conditions) of the project specifications define the scheduling requirements, including software, update frequency, and format for the contractor's schedule.
Question 6: What is a 'long-lead item' in project scheduling?
- A material or equipment item with an exceptionally long procurement lead time that must be ordered early to avoid schedule delays (Correct answer)
- An activity that spans multiple phases of the project
- A contract that covers the entire project duration
- A subcontract awarded before the main contract is signed
Correct answer: A material or equipment item with an exceptionally long procurement lead time that must be ordered early to avoid schedule delays
Long-lead items are materials or equipment that require extended procurement time, often months, and must be identified early and tracked closely to prevent their delivery from delaying installation and project completion.
CST CST Contract & Procurement Scheduling 1
In a construction project, what is the scheduler's primary responsibility related to procurement activities?