Page 20 - CCGA Best Practices Version English

1-13: Contact between the Designer/Engineer and
Potential Contractors during the Pre-Bid/Bid
Phase

Practice Statement: Once a project design is completed, the designer/
engineer should be available to answer questions and clarify aspects during
the pre-bid/bid process.

Practice Description: The designer’s continuing involvement with
potential contractors during the pre-bid/bid phase ensures more effective
communications between all the stakeholders. The designer will be available
to communicate to the interested bidders the scope and complexity of the
project and the proper understanding of the intended design.

Example of Practice: Contract documents should contain contact
information for purpose of design clarification.

Benefits: This practice provides quality assurance and minimizes potential
safety concerns and delays to project completion as well as the protection,
support, and safe maintenance of the facilities during the excavation and
construction. It also affords the designer the opportunity to relay information
to potential contractors that is not readily shown on the contract drawings.

CONSTRUCTION/POST-CONSTRUCTION

1-14: Contact between the Designer and the
Contractor during Construction

Practice Statement: The designer/engineer should be available during the
entire construction.
Practice Description: This practice ensures that design support is available
for pre-construction conferences, unforeseen conditions, site meetings,
design changes, and post-construction conferences.

Benefits: Potential concerns are resolved more expeditiously, thereby
minimizing subsequent modifications to the project design, costs, and
completion. The designer’s progress inspections of the project are also
facilitated.
Current Practice: When an undesignated or otherwise unknown
underground facility and/or condition is discovered within a work area, the
contractor advises the project owner and the designer. If the discovery is
made during the construction locates phase of the work, the designer can
assess whether or not there is an impact on the design. Such discoveries can
impact on the project by requiring additional work, increasing hazards from
the facility, or conflicting with the installation of the new facility.

Canadian Common Ground Alliance
Best Practices Version 3.0 – October 2018
17