The project manual contains all the contractual and technical specifications for a construction project, including instructions for bidding, contract forms, general and supplementary conditions, specifications for materials and workmanship organized by CSI divisions, and any alternates or addenda. The contractor is responsible for thoroughly reading the entire project manual along with the drawings to understand bonding and insurance requirements, quality standards, and all other contractual obligations for the project. The CSI format standardizes how specifications are organized across different sections and divisions for materials, systems, and workmanship.

1. Professional Practices
CE-428
Project Manual
Lecture 3

2. Project Manual
• Project manual , often referred to as the specifications, is a
document that accompanies the drawings and includes
information on how to bid the project, the contractual
obligations of the successful contractor, and the specifications
for the materials used in the construction
• However, the term “project manual” is being used here, when
referring to the complete written document or a set of
documents that accompanies the plans whereas the term
“specifications” is used when referring to the material or
technical specifications (plans, contract documents and
technical specifications)

3. Project Manual
• The contractor is responsible for everything
contained in the project manual and what is covered
on the drawings
• There is tendency that the estimators just skim
through the project manual. Skimming the project
manual is risky and should be read thoroughly along
with the drawings as it contains items ranging from
the type of bonds and insurance required to the
type, quality, and colour of materials used on the job

4. Project Manual
• The project manual is generally presented in the
following format:
– Invitation to bid (advertisement for bidders)
– Instructions to bidders
– Bid (or proposal) forms
– Form of owner / contractor agreement
– Form of bid bond
– Forms of performance bonds
– General conditions of contract
– Supplementary general conditions
– Specifications (technical specifications)

5. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
• It has developed a standard format for organising the specifications
known as the master format
• It sets standards for project manual and technical specifications
• Before 2004 the Master Format consisted of 17 divisions (0 through
16)
• In 2004 it was revised to include 50 divisions (0 through 49)
• For example division 3 covers Concrete (Precast
concrete, Grouting, Mass concrete)
• See figure 3.1

6. Contents of Project Manual
• Invitation to Bid (advertisement for bids)
– In public construction the, public agencies must conform
to the regulations that relate to the method they use in
advertising for bids
– The notice of proposed bidding is posted in public places
and on the internet and by advertising in the newspapers
– In private construction the, owners often do not advertise
for bidders and they may choose to negotiate with the
contractor of their choice

7. Contents of Project Manual
• Instructions to bidders (Information for
bidders)
– It is the document that states the procedures to
be followed by bidders
– In what manner the bids must be delivered, the
time, date, and location of bid
– Instructions may be different and should be read
carefully

8. Contents of Project Manual
– Proposals
• It should be made sure where the bids are being received.
Typically bids will be returned unopened if they are
submitted late
– Commencement and Completion
• Work on the project will commence within a specified period
after the execution of contract
– Responsibility of Bidders
• Contractors should read the responsibilities to bidders
section thoroughly. It indicates the importance of checking
for all of the drawings and a complete project manual. The
contractor should visit the site

9. Contents of Project Manual
• Award or Rejection of Bid
– The owner has the right to;
• Reject any or all bids
• Accept a bid other than the lowest
• Reject any proposal not prepared and submitted in
accordance with the contract documents

10. Contents of Project Manual
• Bid (Proposal) Forms
– It stipulates the price for which the contractor
agrees to perform all of the work described in the
contract documents
– It also ensures that if the owner accepts the
proposal , the contractor will have to enter in to
an agreement or the owner may keep the bid
security

11. Contents of Project Manual
• Form of Owner/ Contractor Agreement
– The owner/contractor agreement form spells out
exactly the type of or form of agreement between
the owner and the contractor
– It may be a standard form published by the
American Institute of Architects (AIA),
Government agency form, Company form

12. Contents of Project Manual
• General Conditions
– These are those conditions which normally apply
to all the aspects of the project
– They may be:
• Standard AIA general conditions
• Company document
• Government agency document

13. Contents of Project Manual
• Supplementary General Conditions
– These are the conditions of the project which
supplements portions of the general conditions
– Contractors must carefully check the
supplementary conditions as each set is different
– Items which are normally covered consist of
insurance, bonds, and safety requirements etc.

14. Contents of Project Manual
• Specifications
– Specifications as defined by the AIA, are the
written descriptions of materials, construction
systems, and workmanship
– They include the types of materials required, their
required performance and the method that must
be used to obtain the specified result

15. Contents of Project Manual
• Alternates
– The owner may request prices for alternate
methods or materials of construction
– The alternates may be an add price or a deduct
price
• Addenda
– Modifies the contract documents after they have
been released and prior to the bid

16. Contents of Project Manual
• Errors in the Specifications
– Errors should be brought to the attention of the
Architect or Engineer
– Requests for clarifications of the specifications
should be submitted to the architect or engineer
so that the clarification can be sent to all bidders