Post-Contract Documents

As the title suggests, "post contract" communications are forms which communicate information after the contract has been executed, and should relate or refer directly to the contract.

Requests for Information

A Request For Information (RFI) is a document used by a contractor or sub-contractor when clarification of a question or concern about the construction documents is needed. Typically, RFIs are submitted by a contractor to the architect or engineer and can be submitted at any time during the construction project (in both the bidding phase or construction phase). Construction documents contain a substantial amount of information and it is almost inevitable that questions will arise about gaps or ambiguities in the construction documents. The goal of the RFI is to provide a tool for resolving questions or conflicts during the bidding process or early in the construction process so that later corrective measures will not be required and add to the cost of construction. Note: This page is linked in both the Pre- and Post-Contract sections.

Construction Change Directives (CCD)

As a predecessor to a formal Change Order, a Construction Change Directive is a binding agreement where one of the parties to the contract, such as the A/E or Owner, direct the contractor to make a change, and to establish the method of determining final cost. It may often use a cost-plus basis to determine cost, or provide a placeholder cost (an estimate) until such time the work has been completed and can be accounted for. It may also stipulate a lump sum. CCD's are then aggregated into a subsequent change order as a "packet" of approved changes for any given period of time. See also the similar "Proposed Change" document (PC).

Change Order Requests (COR)

A Change Order Request (COR) is issued when contractors propose a change in the Original Contract to the Architect/Engineer or the Owner. Even the smallest changes require written documentation.

A Change Order Request should include:

the reason for the change,
a full description of the proposed change,
the impact of the change on the project's budget and schedule and, if applicable,
work performed under separate subcontractors.

Change Orders (CO)

Change Orders (CO) describe changes to the Contract Documents and are issued after the Construction Contract or Agreement is signed. Change Orders are written instructions authorizing an addition, revision or deletion to the work order in the original contract. Change Orders should be signed by the owner, architect/engineer and contractor (or subcontractor). They should reference and, if necessary, include attached revised Contract Drawings and Specifications.