In a design-bid-build scenario, a natural gas line issue arises that could affect the critical path. Which document should the construction manager consult FIRST to resolve the disagreement about who is responsible?

In a design-bid-build scenario, a natural gas line issue arises that could affect the critical path. Which document should the construction manager consult FIRST to resolve the disagreement about who is responsible?

• A. Work Breakdown Structure
• B. Owner's contract with the designer
• C. Builder's plans and specifications
• D. Management Information System

Answer: (C)

In design-bid-build projects, the contract documents set who is responsible for design, coordination, and changes, and they establish the baseline for how issues are handled. The builder’s plans and specifications explain the design intent, how utilities are to be integrated, and where responsibilities for coordination and potential design omissions lie. When a natural gas line issue could impact the critical path, the first thing to check is these design documents to see exactly what was designed, what coordination was required, and who bears risk for design-related conflicts. They tell you whether the contractor should follow a specific routing, whether any constraints were intended by the designer, and what steps are required to address discrepancies (such as clarifications, RFI responses, or changes). The owner’s contract with the designer and the project management system may come into play later for dispute resolution or tracking, but the immediate authority for identifying responsibility and the proper course of action rests with the builder’s plans and specifications.

In design-bid-build projects, the contract documents set who is responsible for design, coordination, and changes, and they establish the baseline for how issues are handled. The builder’s plans and specifications explain the design intent, how utilities are to be integrated, and where responsibilities for coordination and potential design omissions lie. When a natural gas line issue could impact the critical path, the first thing to check is these design documents to see exactly what was designed, what coordination was required, and who bears risk for design-related conflicts. They tell you whether the contractor should follow a specific routing, whether any constraints were intended by the designer, and what steps are required to address discrepancies (such as clarifications, RFI responses, or changes). The owner’s contract with the designer and the project management system may come into play later for dispute resolution or tracking, but the immediate authority for identifying responsibility and the proper course of action rests with the builder’s plans and specifications.