Sunday, June 20, 2010

Types of Specification

Specifications are used :
(1) to convey information concerning desired products
(2) as a basis for competitive bidding, and
(3) to measure compliance to contracts

1. Design Specification

Written requirement that describes the generic design characteristics and method of construction
Also known as method specification
Most commonly used in the past

Advantage
Greater degree of competition than propriety specification.
Straight forward and can be implemented with minimal Architects’s intervention.

Disadvantage
Tend to stifle contractor’s innovation
In some instances where 100 percent compliance were not possible, “substantial performance may be accepted.

Product Performance Liability
Architect/Specifier

Example

100mm thick clay brick with 20mm thick on both sides


2. Propriety Product Specification

Used when a generic description of the material cannot be formulated
Usually contain “or equivalent” clause to allow for some measure of competition

Advantage
Can achieve specific product performance and appearance

Disadvantage
Severely limits competition
Very little innovation by contractor

Product Performance Liability
Architect/Specifier/Manufacturer

Example

200mm thick ALC lightweight block with 6mm skim coating on both sided


3. Performance Specification

Written requirement that describes the functional performance criteria required for a particular equipment, material, or product
Focus on outcomes or results rather than process
Most often used when the contractor has specific expertise in doing the work.
For instance, specialty equipment manufacturers are often required to provide equipment that meets the client’s performance requirement for the equipment being purchased

Advantage
Allow contractors to bring their own expertise, creativity and resources to the tender process.
Allows the contractors to provide the product or service at less cost and shifts some of the risk to the contractors
Better competition

Disadvantage


Product Performance Liability
Contractor

Example

SIRIM & BOMBA approved 2 hour rated fire wall with STC rating123 to manufacturer’s detail and Architect’s approval

4. Mixed Specification

A hybrid of all of the above

1 comment:

  1. Where a specification includes a named supplier or another approved supplier, can the architect refuse without good reason to approve an alternative supplier proposed by the contractor?"

    It has been established in the English court that the words “or other approved supplier” or “or equivalent” per se did not give the contractor an option to submit any product or supplier of their choice for the architect’s approval, but it can only be substituted by mutual agreement. (see: Leedsfors Ltd v The city of Bradford [1956]. The position was that, the architect was not bound to give any reasons for withholding any approval of any other alternative supplier. The architect was only required to act in good faith. ref: "150 Contractual Problems and their Solutions" by Roger Knowles pg 253-264.

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