CIAC RECOMMENDATIONS
Each Recommendation issued by CIAC deals with a single subject. The situation is summarized, and then a specific policy and procedure is detailed. In some instances, a suggested working document is issued as part of the Recommendation.
CIAC also issues Specifier Implementation Guides. While they are separate documents, the Guides provide - in suggested specification format - detailed text and notes for the specifier. They facilitate incorporation of Recommendations into final specifications and contracts.
View all recommendations and specifier implementation guides in single PDF file.
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The following is a list of the current CIAC Recommendations, with a brief summary of the thrust of each:
1. Retentions
Endorses limitation of total retainage to 5% of the contract amount, based on 10% of the first half of the contract sum.
2. Guarantees and Warranties
Recommends a standard one-year provision, with stated starting dates and coverages.
3. Management and Control of Construction Operations
Endorses assignment of a separate mechanical work coordinator for major projects.
4. Operation and Maintenance of Dynamic Systems
Recommends the owner insist on a good O&M program, with competent personnel. Covers design responsibilities.
5. Assignment of Responsibility for Providing Temporary Job Utilities and Services
Defines water and electrical service, weather protection and construction heart, and temporary heating and ventilation - and responsibilities for each.
6. Equipment Purchasing Procedure
Recommends that the contractor purchase the equipment that he installs, to avoid subjecting the owner to complications and hidden costs.
7. Construction Contract Change Orders
Outlines procedures to ensure that change orders are process expeditiously and equitably.
8. Punch List
Recommends responsibilities and procedures for the contractor and subcontractors, and for the design professional.
9. Substitutions
Details the handling of substitute equipment in the specification, bidding, pre-award and post-award phases of the project.
10. Project Record Documents
Recommends procedures for furnishing and maintaining complete record sets, from specifications through field drawings, to ensure economical operation and maintenance - and ease of future alterations or additions.
11. Application for Payment and Sworn Statement
Recommends use of CIAC "Application for Payment and Sworn Statement" Form, from contractor or subcontractor to the owner.
12. Construction Completion Schedules Related to Building Costs
Outlines procedures to reduce costly, disruptive overtime work caused by unrealistic completions schedules on competitive and on negotiated contracts.
13. Waiver of Lien Procedure
Recommends procedures for use of partial waivers, to protect all parties and improve cash flow to contractors.
14. Submittals
Details procedures for submission by contractors, design professional review, and substitutions and modifications.
15. Submittal Data and Equipment Quality Control
Endorses equitable, orderly procedures by design professionals and contractors to ensure that all equipment changes meet specification criteria.
16. Bonds
Recommends use of bid, performance and payment bonds.
17. Bidder Qualifications
Details what qualifying information is expected from contractor and subcontractor bidders. Includes "Confidential Bidder Qualification Form."
18. Substantial Completion
Issued as a supplement to AIA General Conditions paragraphs, defines owner and contractor responsibilities more clearly.
19. Waiver of Lien Forms
Includes Recommended CIAC "Partial" and "Final" waiver of lien forms.
20. Unit Prices
Recommends procedures for determining when and how to use unit pricing.
21. Allowances
Recommends procedures for using cash and contingency allowances.
22. Subcontractor Assignments
Proposes procedures for orderly selection of assigned subcontractors and their relationship with the general contractor.
23. Project Payment Information
Details information to be provided to design professionals and contractors by owners prior to contract letting and during progress of the work.
24. Hazardous Substances at the Project Site
Recommends procedures for informing construction parties of the presence of hazardous substances on construction sites.
25. Payment for Medical and Equipment Stored Off-Site
Recommends that contractors be paid for off-site storage and describes safeguards to protect the owner's interests.
26. Indemnification
Offers advice on the use of indemnification or hold-harmless agreements and explains the difference between insurable and uninsurable provisions.
27. Dispute Resolution
Urges initial dispute resolution and alternate dispute resolution procedures in strict accordance with the contract documents.
28. Pre-completion Occupancy
Issued as a supplement to AIA and EJCDC standard documents, it states equitable procedures for pre-completion occupancy.
29. Re-Bid Procedures
Explains the difficulties of rebidding and recommends steps to ensure equity in the process.
30. CADD Data Sharing
Recommends basic procedures for transferring and sharing electronic data between project participants in the construction process.
31. Fair Payment Initiative
Recommends procedures when withholding of payments to a General Contractor is being considered.