On a design-bid-build project, the general contractor's baseline schedule is considered reasonable, but the contractor ignores several improvement comments. What should the construction manager do next?

On a design-bid-build project, the general contractor's baseline schedule is considered reasonable, but the contractor ignores several improvement comments. What should the construction manager do next?

• A. Review the baseline schedule narrative
• B. Direct the general contractor to change their means and methods
• C. Accept the schedule
• D. Review their own contract with the owner

Answer: (D)

The situation tests how the construction manager handles noncompliance with approved schedule improvements in a design-bid-build project. When a contractor accepts a baseline schedule as reasonable but ignores improvement comments, the first step is to verify the contractual framework that governs such actions. Reviewing the contract with the owner clarifies the CM’s authority, responsibilities, and the remedies available if the contractor fails to implement approved schedule changes. This ensures any subsequent action—whether issuing notices, requiring corrections, or pursuing change orders—rests on documented rights and procedures rather than ad hoc decisions. Only after confirming the contractual path should the CM move toward directing actions or addressing the schedule; at this point, the contract with the owner provides the legitimate basis for next steps.

The situation tests how the construction manager handles noncompliance with approved schedule improvements in a design-bid-build project. When a contractor accepts a baseline schedule as reasonable but ignores improvement comments, the first step is to verify the contractual framework that governs such actions. Reviewing the contract with the owner clarifies the CM’s authority, responsibilities, and the remedies available if the contractor fails to implement approved schedule changes. This ensures any subsequent action—whether issuing notices, requiring corrections, or pursuing change orders—rests on documented rights and procedures rather than ad hoc decisions. Only after confirming the contractual path should the CM move toward directing actions or addressing the schedule; at this point, the contract with the owner provides the legitimate basis for next steps.