CSI CCCA key terms

The planned, systematic activities that create confidence a project will meet its quality requirements, such as written procedures, submittal reviews, and audits. QA is process-focused and generally precedes or surrounds the actual construction work.

The inspection, testing, and measurement activities that verify completed or in-progress work conforms to the contract documents. QC is product-focused and answers whether the installed work meets the specified standard.

A contractor-prepared document describing how the firm will organize, staff, and carry out QA and QC on the project, including responsibilities, testing frequency, and reporting. It is often required as a submittal before work begins.

A schedule listing each inspection and test to be performed, the acceptance criteria, who performs it, and at what hold or witness points. It gives the team a shared roadmap for verifying quality at each stage.

A stage in the work that cannot proceed until a designated inspector or authority has reviewed and released it. Work done past an unreleased hold point may be rejected or required to be opened for examination.

A step where the inspector is notified and may observe the activity, but the contractor may continue if the inspector does not attend. It differs from a hold point, which stops work until release.

A formal record describing work or material that does not meet a contract requirement, the disposition proposed, and the corrective action taken. It documents the defect so it can be tracked to closure.

The steps taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity so it does not recur, as distinct from merely fixing the defective item. It often includes root-cause analysis and procedure changes.

A full-scale sample of a construction assembly built on site for review and approval before the actual work proceeds. It establishes the visual and performance standard the finished work must match.

The stage when the work, or a designated portion, is sufficiently complete that the owner can occupy or use it for its intended purpose. It typically triggers warranty start, retention release, and the punch list process.

The point at which all work, including punch list items and closeout requirements, is finished and accepted by the owner. It usually releases final payment and remaining retainage.

A list of incomplete or defective items identified near the end of the project that the contractor must correct before final completion. It is compiled during the walkthrough and tracked to closure.

A joint on-site review by the owner, architect, engineer, and contractor to observe work, verify progress, or compile deficiencies. It produces written observations that become the basis for follow-up action.

A written record of a site visit describing conditions observed, work in progress, and any apparent deviations from the contract documents. It documents facts without necessarily directing changes.

The periodic, direct observation of construction by the design professional or owner's representative to check general conformance with the contract documents. It is not a guarantee of the contractor's workmanship.

The owner's use of a completed portion of the project before substantial completion of the whole. The contract usually defines how it affects warranties, insurance, and the contractor's responsibility for the occupied area.

A written document, signed by the owner and contractor, establishing the date of substantial completion and listing remaining items and responsibilities. It fixes warranty start dates and apportions risk for the completed work.

A percentage of each payment withheld by the owner until the work reaches defined milestones, commonly substantial and final completion. It protects the owner against incomplete work and unresolved claims.

A periodic payment to the contractor based on the value of work completed and materials stored during a billing period. It is supported by a schedule of values and an application for payment.

A line-item breakdown allocating the contract sum across portions of the work, used to evaluate applications for payment. It should reflect actual value distribution rather than front-loaded amounts.

The contractor's formal request for payment, typically certified by the architect, stating the amount due and the work covered. It usually includes supporting data and lien waivers.

A written statement by a contractor or subcontractor relinquishing the right to file a mechanic's lien for work paid. It may be conditional on actual receipt of funds or unconditional.

A written modification to the contract, signed by the owner and contractor, that changes the scope, price, or time. It becomes part of the contract once executed.

A written directive ordering a change in the work before the owner and contractor agree on price and time adjustments. It is used to keep work moving, with costs later resolved by agreement or determination.

A formal written question from the contractor asking the design team to clarify or interpret the contract documents. The response becomes part of the project record and may lead to a change order.

A document or sample the contractor submits for review, such as shop drawings, product data, or samples, to show how the work will conform to the contract documents. Review does not relieve the contractor of responsibility.

A drawing prepared by the contractor or fabricator detailing how a component will be manufactured and installed. It translates design intent into fabrication information and is reviewed for conformance.

Manufacturer's published literature, such as specifications, installation instructions, and performance ratings, submitted to demonstrate the proposed product meets the specified requirements.

A product or material accepted by the design professional as meeting or exceeding the specified item's requirements. Approval usually requires a formal substitution request with supporting data.

A contractor's formal proposal to use a product or method different from the one named in the specifications. It must show the substitute is equivalent or better and is subject to the design professional's approval.

The contract document setting out the rights, duties, and relationships of the owner, contractor, and design professional, including payment, changes, and dispute procedures. It applies to the project as a whole.

Modifications or additions to the General Conditions that tailor standard terms to a specific project, owner, or jurisdiction. They override conflicting General Conditions provisions.

The signed contract between the owner and contractor that identifies the parties, the contract sum, the work, and the other contract documents incorporated by reference. It is the core enforceable instrument.

The complete set of documents defining the work and obligations, typically including the agreement, conditions, drawings, specifications, and addenda. Together they form the contract.

A written modification to the bidding or contract documents issued before bids are opened, such as clarifications, corrections, or changes. Bidders must acknowledge each addendum in their bid.

A solicitation inviting contractors to submit prices for a defined scope of work by a stated deadline. It typically includes the bid documents, instructions to bidders, and the bid form.

The document explaining how bids must be prepared, submitted, and evaluated, including required forms, deadlines, and rules on alternates and substitutions. It governs the bidding process itself.

A surety instrument submitted with a bid guaranteeing the bidder will enter the contract and furnish required bonds if selected. It protects the owner against a bidder's withdrawal.

A surety bond guaranteeing the contractor will complete the work according to the contract. If the contractor defaults, the surety may arrange completion or pay the owner for the loss.

A surety bond protecting subcontractors and suppliers by guaranteeing they will be paid for labor and materials furnished on the project. It is often required alongside a performance bond.

The formal event at which sealed bids are opened and read publicly at the time and place stated in the solicitation. It establishes the official record of submitted prices.

An agreement reached through direct discussion between owner and contractor rather than competitive sealed bidding. Price, scope, and terms are settled through proposal and negotiation.

A stated cost per unit of measurement, such as per cubic yard or per linear foot, used to price work whose quantity is uncertain. Actual payment is based on measured quantities.

A priced option in a bid that the owner may accept or reject to adjust scope or cost, such as adding a feature or substituting a material. Bidders price alternates separately from the base bid.

The written requirements for materials, workmanship, and performance, organized by work section and read together with the drawings. They define quality standards the contractor must meet.

The final records the contractor delivers at project completion, such as as-built drawings, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals, and final lien waivers. They are conditions of final payment.