Design-Bid-Build Specifications Writing Workshop by Tonex
This intensive one-day workshop is designed to equip professionals involved in the design-bid-build (DBB) contracting method with the skills necessary to write clear, comprehensive, and effective project specifications. The workshop will cover the fundamentals of specification writing specific to the DBB process, highlighting best practices in drafting documents that clearly communicate project requirements to bidders and contractors.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role and importance of specifications in the DBB procurement process.
- Develop specifications that are clear, precise, and enforceable.
- Avoid common pitfalls in specification writing that can lead to ambiguities and construction disputes.
- Structure specifications to facilitate easy navigation and comprehension.
- Incorporate regulatory and sustainability requirements effectively into project specifications.
- Enhance collaboration between design teams, contractors, and project stakeholders through well-crafted specifications.
Target Audience:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Construction Managers
- Project Managers
- Contract Administrators
- Procurement Specialists
- Anyone involved in the preparation, review, or use of construction documents in the design-bid-build framework
Workshop Schedule:
Morning Session
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Introduction to Specifications Writing
- Overview of the design-bid-build process.
- The role of specifications within the DBB framework.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Fundamentals of Effective Specifications
- Characteristics of effective specifications.
- The distinction between prescriptive and performance specifications.
- Understanding different types of specifications: General, Detailed, and Proprietary.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Coffee Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Writing Clear and Enforceable Specifications
- Techniques for clear writing: Use of language, active vs. passive voice, avoiding ambiguities.
- Ensuring legal enforceability and compliance with industry standards.
Afternoon Session
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Structuring Specifications for DBB Projects
- Organizing specifications into divisions and sections according to CSI MasterFormat.
- Using references and linking to supplementary documents without redundancy.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Incorporating Regulatory and Sustainability Requirements
- Integrating local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
- Addressing sustainability and environmental considerations in specifications.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Interactive Q&A and Workshop Wrap-Up
- Address participant questions and scenarios.
- Recap of best practices and final tips for successful specification writing.
Workshop Materials Provided:
- Comprehensive guide to specifications writing for DBB projects.
- Templates and checklists for specification sections.
- Examples of well-written specifications.
- Access to digital resources and further reading materials.
Outcome:
Participants will leave the workshop with a solid foundation in specifications writing tailored to the design-bid-build process. They will have the tools and knowledge to draft specifications that enhance the clarity, efficiency, and success of construction projects, reducing the potential for errors and disputes during the construction phase.