NASCLA Contractor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Notice to Proceed

The owner's written directive that starts the contract clock. Contract time is measured from this date, so owner-caused delays before it are usually not compensable.

Constructability Review

A preconstruction examination of drawings and specifications for conflicts, missing details, and infeasible sequencing that would otherwise produce field delays and change orders.

Value Engineering

A formal, owner-approved proposal to reduce cost by changing materials, methods, or systems without reducing the required function, quality, or performance of the project.

Bid Bond

A surety guarantee, usually 5 to 10 percent of the bid, that is forfeited if the low bidder fails to sign the contract and furnish the required bonds.

Performance Bond

A surety bond typically equal to 100 percent of the contract price that protects the owner if the contractor defaults and cannot complete the work.

Addendum

A written modification to the bidding documents issued before bid opening. Bidders must acknowledge each addendum in the proposal or the bid may be rejected.

Labor Burden

The cost above base wages for FICA, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and fringe benefits, commonly 25 to 40 percent of the base wage rate.

Request for Information

A formal written question from the contractor seeking clarification of the contract documents. The answer enters the project record and may trigger a change order.

Construction Change Directive

A written owner-architect order directing changed work before price and time are agreed; it is later converted into a change order with an agreed cost.

Substantial Completion

The stage when work is sufficiently complete for the owner's intended use. It starts warranty periods, releases most retainage, and shifts insurance and utility responsibility.

Conditional Lien Waiver

A waiver that becomes effective only after the stated payment actually clears the bank, protecting the payer from later lien claims for that amount.

Critical Path

The longest sequence of dependent activities through the schedule network. It has zero total float and determines the shortest possible project duration.

Total Float

The time an activity can slip without delaying project completion, calculated as late start minus early start or late finish minus early finish.

Schedule Performance Index

SPI equals earned value divided by planned value. A value below 1.0 means the project is behind schedule; above 1.0 means it is ahead.

Time Impact Analysis

A delay analysis method that inserts a fragment representing the changed work into the current accepted schedule to measure its effect on the completion date.

Competent Person

An individual able to identify existing and predictable hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action; required for excavation, scaffold, and fall protection inspections.

Excavation Protective System

Required in trenches 5 feet deep or more. Sloping, shoring, or shielding must suit the soil type, with a ladder within 25 feet of lateral travel.

Slump Test

An ASTM C143 field test of concrete consistency in which a standard cone is filled, lifted, and the drop measured in inches to indicate workability.

OSHA Focus Four Hazards

Falls, struck-by, caught-in or between, and electrical hazards. They cause most construction fatalities and are the primary targets of OSHA construction inspections.

Fall Protection Threshold

OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet in construction, 10 feet on scaffolds, and 15 feet in steel erection, using guardrails, nets, or personal arrest systems.

Permit-Required Confined Space

A space with limited entry, not meant for continuous occupancy, containing a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment, or entrapment hazard. Entry requires a permit and attendant.

Recordable Injury

Under 29 CFR 1904, a work-related death, days away, restricted work, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness that must be logged.

Three-Phase Quality Control

The USACE system using a preparatory meeting, an initial inspection of the first work, and recurring follow-up inspections for each definable feature of work.

Hold Point

A designated step in an inspection and test plan where the work cannot continue until the inspector or owner gives written approval.

Occupant Load Calculation

Floor area divided by the code occupant load factor, such as 150 gross for business or 15 net for unconcentrated assembly; it drives exits and egress width.

Type I Construction

The most fire-resistive IBC construction type, built of noncombustible structural members with 2 to 3 hour fire resistance and typical for high-rise buildings.

Water-Cement Ratio

The weight of water divided by the weight of cementitious material. Lower ratios increase strength and durability; structural concrete commonly runs 0.40 to 0.50.

Type S Mortar

A high-bond masonry mortar with a minimum 1800 psi compressive strength, used for structural walls, below-grade masonry, and where flexural strength is needed.

A992 Steel

The standard grade for structural W-shapes in the United States, with a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi plus improved weldability and toughness.

Builder's Risk Insurance

Property coverage on the structure during construction for fire, wind, theft, and vandalism; it typically excludes contractor tools, equipment, and employee vehicles.

Mechanic's Lien

A statutory claim recorded against real property by one who furnished labor or materials without payment; strict deadlines and preliminary notices apply.

Underbilling

A work-in-progress condition where costs and estimated earnings exceed billings to date; it is an asset representing cash not yet collected from the owner.