A typical specification is broken down into 3 parts:
Part 1 – General Part 2 – Products Part 3 – Execution In a typical specification for sprinkler pipe we often see something like this: Part 2 - Products 2.2 Steel Pipe and Fittings Schedule 40 Galvanized and Black steel pipe Schedule 10 Black steel in pipe NPS 2.5 and larger Part 3 - Execution 3.12 Piping Schedule NPS 2 and smaller - Schedule 40 black steel NPS 2-1/2 and larger - Schedule 40 black steel When Part 2 and Part 3 of the same spec contradict one another, which part rules? I know the answer is to write an RFI, but we often don’t get an answer prior to bid time. Also, what is the thought process of the EOR for providing a spec like this in a bid document to begin with? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
7 Comments
schulman
6/25/2021 08:08:40 am
The EOR made an error ... he's not TRYING to confuse you.
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Jon Sullivan
6/25/2021 08:10:35 am
You'll have to see the front-end specification, but typically the most restrictive applies. There's a really good design spec article on this site, but typically it rounds out the drawings and gives you more detail than "per NFPA 13".
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Brad K
6/25/2021 08:13:11 am
When time is of the essence and you believe an RFI will not be answered, bid the competitive priced option. Then make written exception to the contradicting spec portion in your proposal.
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CJ Bonczyk
6/25/2021 09:39:08 am
9 out of 10 times you are to comply with the execution section of the specifications. Many times the other sections are boilerplate and just copy and pasted from similar jobs. It is best to try and RFI on the front end and see which option the specifying engineer desires, because you can provide some VE options that may be better overall for cost, installation, maintenance, performance, etc. When bidding clarify exactly what you are providing where there is contradicting information in the specifications and you don't have time to RFI the information.
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Dave Branson
6/25/2021 12:22:21 pm
The specification example you showed does not have a conflict. Often under PRODUCTS items are grouped together - in this case Schedule 40 Galvanized and Black Steel Pipe. EXECUTION delineates between use cases, as per this example.
Reply
Greg Stoner
6/28/2021 07:44:53 am
Why list a product in section 2, i.e. 2-1/2" and larger black schedule 10, if the product is not allowed?
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Dave Branson
6/28/2021 08:33:59 am
“Products” covers all portions of the project unless stated otherwise - one would typically define usage in the “Execution” section, but if needed one could further segregate piping by materials within the “Products” section. Leave a Reply. |
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