CECW-EP

EngineerRegulation

1110-2-1200

Department of the ArmyU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Washington, DC 20314-1000

ER 1110-2-1200

30 October 1993

Engineering and Design

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CIVILWORKS PROJECTS

Distribution Restriction StatementApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ER 1110-2-1200U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

CECW-EP Washington, D.C. 20314-1000

RegulationNo. 1110-2-1200 30 October 1993

Engineering and DesignPLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS

1. Purpose

This regulation prescribes the responsibilities, require-ments, principles, and procedures for the preparation,review, approval, and distribution of plans and specifi-cations (P&S) for civil works projects.

2. Applicability

This regulation applies to all HQUSACE/OCE elements,major subordinate commands (MSC), district commands,laboratories and field operating activities (FOA) havingcivil works responsibilities.

3. References

a. PL 91-190, National Environmental Policy Actof 1969.

b. FAR 52.212.11.

c. ER 1-1-11, Progress, Schedules, and NetworkAnalysis Systems.

d. ER 415-1-11, Biddability, Constructibility,Operability.

e. ER 415-1-15, Construction Time Extensions forweather.

f. ER 1110-2-109, Hydroelectric Design Center.

g. ER 1110-2-1002, Maps and Drawings.

h. ER 1110-2-1150, Engineering and Design forCivil Works Projects.

i. ER 1125-2-303, Design Acquisition and Con-struction.

j. EM 1110-1-1807, Standards Manual for U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Computer-Aided Design andDrafting (CADD) Systems.

4. Policy

a. The policy of the Chief of Engineers requiresthe highest standards of engineering in the preparationof P&S. Pursuant to this policy, P&S for all CivilWorks projects shall be prepared by the EngineeringDivision using current engineering standards and criteria,cost control management and sound professional judge-ment.

b. P&S for construction, procurement by supplycontract, and extraordinary maintenance leading to majoralterations, major item replacement, or rehabilitation forexisting civil works projects shall be prepared in accor-dance with approved decision documents (i.e., Engineer-ing Appendix to Feasibility Report, Detailed ProjectReport, subsequent design memorandums, etc.) and shallconform to the approved cost estimate. As prescribed inER 1110-2-1150, approval shall be obtained for anysubstantial deviation from approved DMs (or otherdecision documents previously mentioned) foundnecessary or desirable during the preparation of P&S.

c. The preparation of P&S shall be scheduled toensure that ample time is allowed for review, approval,revisions, and reproductions.

d. Construction/Supply bidding and contract docu-ments shall be carefully prepared to eliminate all

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________This regulation supersedes ER 1110-2-1200, 12 June 1972

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

conditions or practices that might delay the work orresult in disputes and subsequent claims. Changes indesign drawings and specifications affecting work inprogress and contracts for which bids may have beenreceived shall be limited to cases of absolute necessity.

e. For projects requiring local cooperation, detailedP&S shall not be prepared until there is assurance thatthe conditions of local cooperation will be met.

5. Types of Contracts Requiring P&S

Plans (consisting of one or more drawings includingnotes located thereon) are required for all constructioncontracts and for some supply contracts. Technicalspecifications shall be prepared for both construction andsupply contract documents. The design drawings andtechnical specifications for both types of contracts shallbe provided by the Engineering Division and forwardedto the Contracting Division for processing (advertise-ment through award).

a. Construction contract documents are normallyprepared for those contracts requiring a construction typeof activity, i.e. building a new facility or modifying anexisting structure by construction forces.

b. Supply contract documents are normally pre-pared for those items of work that are fabricated orassembled in a plant or manufacturing facility off-siteand do not normally involve site installation by theconstruction trades or for such special items (equipment)which are to be Government furnished under a separatecontract.

6. Application of Engineer Regulations (ER), Engi-neer Manuals (EM), and Engineering TechnicalLetters (ETL).

The basic technical guidance, criteria, and designprocedures set forth in ERs, EMs, and ETLs shall beused in the preparation of P&S. When criteria orprocedures not covered in the ERs and EMs or ETLs areproposed, or when departure from criteria in thesedocuments is proposed, full explanation and justificationshall be included in or appended to the appropriate DMand/or decision document as required by ER 1110-2-1150.

7. Preparation of Plans (Contract Drawings)

Contract drawings shall be prepared on a ComputerAided Design and Drafting (CADD) System wheneverfeasible in accordance with the Corps of EngineersCADD Standards outlined in EM 1110-1-1807. Thesestandards include details, symbols, levels to placevarious details of a drawing (lettering , reinforcing,electrical-mechanical details, etc.), units of resolution,fonts, colors, title blocks, drawing size, and many otherdetails. These standards shall be followed whether thework is performed by an Architect-Engineer (A-E) firmor prepared in-house. Contract drawings prepared byhand shall follow the applicable drafting standardsestablished by the district and shall, as much as possible,conform to the applicable CADD standards outlinedabove. When surveys, maps and engineering sitedrawings are included, they shall conform to the require-ments of ER 1110-2-1002.

a. Keep number of drawings to a mimimum.Toachieve maximum economy when preparing contractdrawings, omit all unnecessary details and avoid repeti-tive presentation. Include only those details that arenecessary to ensure a full understanding of the contractrequirements. Specific practices to be adopted to thisend are listed below. This list is by no means complete,but all contract drawings shall be treated in a mannerconsistent with those mentioned.

(1) Omit details of alternatives when all suchalternatives will yield features of acceptable quality.Avoid details that may be described clearly in notes orspecifications or by reference to trade publications,catalogues, standard specifications, building codes, orother accepted criteria.

(2) Omit reinforcing bar lists and bending schedules;however, reinforcement drawings shall be prepared insufficient detail to reflect design requirements.

(3) No contract drawings shall be prepared that areintended primarily to facilitate review of plans by higherauthority. Copies of office sketches or preliminaryCADD drawings that permit thorough understanding willsuffice for this purpose.

(4) Avoid excessive sectioning and the repetition ofviews, dimensions, and notes where these practices areintended primarily to improve the reading of a drawing.The use of CADD reference files and close coordinationof the automated drafting process are encouraged to

2

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

ensure that all elements make optimal use of previouslygenerated details and plans. From both a contractualpoint of view and that of economy in the drafting pro-cess, it is better to show a requirement only once.

b. Enhance for clarity.Shading, annotation, color-ing (if color plotters or color reproductions are avail-able), and different line weights and line symbols maybe used on contract drawings when it is felt that suchuse is needed to enhance the clarity of some importantfeature, such as the differentiation between existingconditions and future work.

c. Show work limits.Right-of-way and work limitsand access to these limits shall be clearly delineated onthe drawings. Indicate other topographic detail that maybe affected by or may restrict the construction.

d. Eliminate all construction interference whereverpossible. The design shall provide for the accomplish-ment of new construction with minimum interferencewith other essential operations of any existing projectfacility or any other contractor on site. Unless construc-tion strategy so dictates, the practice of having twocontractors with individual contracts working on thesame site should be discouraged. The order and sched-ule of construction work shall not be established andshall not be reflected in the contract documents unlessit is necessary to ensure construction is accomplished inthe most economical manner.

8. Preparation of Specifications

a. Consistency.Technical specifications shall beclear, concise, and complete to ensure that neither theincluded part manufacturer or construction firms experi-ence undue difficulty in preparing bids, and that themost probable questions arising during the performanceof the contract can be determined and settled by refer-ence to the contract documents. It is essential thatterminology be consistent between the design drawingsand the technical specifications. Unless thoroughlyresearched and coordinated with higher authority,unusual or unproven construction requirements shall beavoided. Tolerances and inspection standards shallconform to standard commercial practice as much aspossible. Provisions in the contract clauses shall not berepeated in the technical specifications, nor shall anyconditions or provisions that conflict with the contractclauses be incorporated in the technical specifications.

b. Promote competition. Technical specificationsshall be written in a manner that will promote competi-tion. Designation by trade names is not permitted unlessit is impractical to identify the article desired in anyother way. Whenever possible, articles and materialsshall be identified in terms of their salient physical orchemical composition, test qualifications, performancecriteria, or similar descriptions.

c. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).Require-ments in connection with labor regulations, taxes, andsimilar matters, and procedures for invitations of bids,awards, and other contract procedures, are identified inthe Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

d. Time of commencement and completion. Withthe aid of network analysis schedules (ER-1-1-11) thetime specified for commencement and completion ofcontract work shall be based on a rigorous analysis ofthe specified work. The contract duration provisionshould reflect a minimum reasonable duration for thespecified work without restricting bidder competition orincreasing costs. The analysis shall take into consider-ation cost, desired completion date, seasonal work,adverse weather delays (ER 415-1-15), documentsubmittal and "turnaround" time for approvals, lead timefor manufactured items, and job complexity.

e. Insurance coverage. For contracts whereprogress payments will be made and title to propertywill pass to the Government while remaining in thecustody of the contractor, the Contracting Officer mayrequire the contractor to carry insurance to protect theGovernment interest. Insurance will not be requiredunless circumstances warrant the additional cost.

f. Protection of the environment. In order toimplement the National Environmental Policy Act of1969 (PL 91-190) and all applicable Federal environ-mental laws, the specifications for each constructioncontract shall contain a section on protection of theenvironment during construction operations. Thissection shall include instructions to the contractorconcerning layout and the construction of project plantfacilities (roads, camps, storage yards, shops, etc.);landscape preservation; the control of air, water andnoise pollution; and other factors necessary to preventthe degradation of project site(s) during construction,and to govern the restoration of contractor-causedenvironmental damage to the greatest extent practicable.Requirements for the control of water quality and airpollution shall be based on standards obtained from the

3

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

regional offices of the Environmental Protection Agencyand the responsible State water and/or air pollutioncontrol agency.

g. Government-furnished plant or materials. WhenGovernment-owned plant or materials are available foruse by contractors on the work included in the contract,suitable provisions shall be made in the specifications toensure that all bidders have full information and equalopportunity to permit use of the plant or materialsavailable for the work. The description of items ofmaterials and/or equipment shall include approximationsof weight, value, expected delivery date and specialstorage or handling requirements such as:

(1) when the weight exceeds the capacity of thematerial handling equipment that the contractor mightotherwise have at the job-site by the date of delivery.

(2) when the equipment requires special care andprotection at a significant expense to the contractor, and,

(3) when providing such descriptive information willprobably reduce contingencies in the contractors’ bids.

When procurement arrangements for Government-furnished equipment are complete prior to the advertise-ment for bids, the specifications will indicate that thedata provided was extracted from the Governmentprocurement contract or purchase order. If the datashows the value of the equipment, the specifications willreflect the same. It must be clearly stated that said datais the best available at the time the specifications wereprepared and is offered for information purposes only.

h. Bid Items.

(1) Variations in estimated unit cost bid item quanti-ties. Bid quantities are extremely important. Only whenbid items are properly described and isolated from otheritems, and the quantities are accurately described, canbidders submit a bid that is in the best interest of theGovernment. The standard clause for variations inestimated quantities is found in FAR 52.212.11. Subdi-vided items can be a source of significant cost growthand, therefore, extreme caution shall be exercised intheir use. If a small quantity (relative to the firstsubdivided item) is placed in the second, or subsequent,subdivided items, the contractor may price it at a highunit price without considerably raising the overall bidprice. Any overrun in the quantities listed in the second,or following, subdivided items could lead to unreason-

able contract costs. When subdivided items are used,careful consideration shall be given to the structuring ofthe bidding schedule to ensure that the Government isadequately protected in situations where inordinatelyhigh unit prices are charged for subdivided items of thesame nature, and where only the quantity varies.

(2) Lump-sum bid items.Lump sum items shall bepermitted only when the limits of the item is welldefined or fixed and there cannot be a variance of anypart within the item.

(3) Buildings. Where building work not subject tovariation in quantities is an adjunct to a heavy construc-tion contract, the bid item should be a lump-sum ratherthan separated into a large number of bid items. Forlarge buildings it may be advisable to prepare thebidding schedule so that the work of various subcontrac-tors (plumbing, electrical, excavation, etc.) is broken intoseparate bid items to allow for more reasonable negotia-tions of modifications, should the need arise.

i. Payment for Materials. Provisions may be madein the specifications for partial payments of high costmaterial or equipment when delivered to the site, evenbefore incorporation in the work. Such payments maynot be dependent on the time such material or equipmentis actually incorporated into the construction product asmuch as being dependent on market conditions. Specifi-cations shall contain suitable provisions to ensure safestorage of all such materials by the contractor untilinstallation. An arbitrary percentage payment shall notbe used, but shall be derived from an analysis of thework progress of the item(s) to incorporate the materialor equipment. Where conditions warrant, furtherprovision may be made for partial payments of materialsdelivered to a fabricating plant and for the work offabrication. Payment for such materials shall be contin-gent only on the approval of the Contracting Officer.

j. Payment for care and diversion of water andcofferdam construction. The intent of these require-ments is to ensure that the contractor is compensated asthe work progresses in essentially the same manner asfor the permanent work and in proportion to the amountof work actually completed. An arbitrary percentagepayment shall not be used. Because the cofferdam andflow diversion portion of the project is usually unique toeach project, each such feature will require considerationwhen specifying a payment method.

4

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

k. CSI format. Construction contract technicalspecifications shall be presented in the standard Con-struction Specification Institute (CSI) sixteen-divisionformat, three-part section, and five-digit numberingsystem, insofar as practicable. Only the technicalspecifications shall be maintained in the CSI format.The remainder of the bid/construction documents shallbe in accordance with the U. S. Army Corps of Engi-neers standard contract format as facilitated through theStandard Army Automated Contracting System (SAA-CONS).

l. Use of guide specifications.Civil Works GuideSpecifications (CWGS) issued by HQUSACE shall beused as much as possible when preparing technicalprovisions for civil works projects. These CWGS canbe retrieved and processed electronically from anautomated data base maintained by CEHND-ED-ED andare available in different electronic media (CD-ROM,floppy disk, magnetic tape).

(1) Except for conversion to the ConstructionSpecification Institute (CSI) format as provided inparagraph 8k, CWGS shall be used without modificationas much as possible in the preparation of project techni-cal specifications. Modifications to the CWGS shall bemade to provide for changes in design criteria, localconditions, special project requirements, and/or newimprovements in construction technology.

(2) For project work not covered in existing CWGSor when CWGS are not particularly suitable, other non-CWGS specifications, such as military constructionguide specifications (CEGS), MSC or district "in-house"specifications, recently approved specifications for otherprojects, guide specifications issued by other Federalagencies, and industry specifications, may be used todevelop project specifications.

m. Use of standards

(1) Materials and equipment shall be described,where possible, by documents commonly known to theconstruction industry. Nationally recognized industrialand technical society specifications and standards shallbe used as much as practicable to ensure that specifiedrequirements are compatible with current industrialpractices and manufacturing resources. If industrydocuments are not available or not suitable, applicableFederal or Military specifications shall be used. Wherethe use of nationally recognized industry standards orFederal and Military specifications is not practicable,

specifications shall require materials, equipment andworkmanship that satisfy sound commercial standardsand are available from commercial sources. Specifi-cations for highways and highway bridges shall conformto the standard specifications of the American Associa-tion of State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO) or to those of the State, County or CityHighway Department having jurisdiction. Specificationsfor railroads and railroad bridges shall conform to thegeneral specifications of the American Railway Engi-neering Association (AREA) or to the applicable specifi-cations and standards of the railroad system involved.

(2) It is not necessary to refer to a standard in itsentirety. The documents shall be specific, however, inmaking reference only to the applicable portions of astandard. Requirements that are too restrictive for theintended application or add unnecessarily to the costshall be omitted from the project specifications. Thefollowing general rules should be used to determine theapplicability of Federal Specifications and other stan-dards:

(a) Use Federal Specifications to designate suppliesand materials other than equipment of standard manufac-ture to be provided for Government stock.

(b) Specifications for equipment of standard manu-facture, whether intended for Government stock or forincorporation in a specific permanent feature, need notmake reference to Government and industry standardspecifications for materials of the component parts, but,shall be prepared in order to base acceptability of theequipment upon capacity, performance, life cycle costs,or other requirements. When a Government or industrystandard specification covers the desired item in itsentirety, such a specification shall be used.

(c) For special design equipment which is not astandard manufactured product, state the quality of thematerials for the major component parts by referencingthose Government and industry standard specificationsthat are considered necessary. For minor parts it willusually be advantageous to permit a manufacturer to usestock materials of acceptable quality.

(d) For temporary construction or for small perma-nent structures such as operations and service buildings,a specification requiring commercially available productsand workmanship is satisfactory for the components ofthese structures. When warranted by the quantitiesinvolved, recognized standards shall be used for prod-

5

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

ucts, such as paint, which otherwise would be difficultto properly evaluate. For these structures, insofar aspossible, show technical requirements on the drawings,identify reference publications by number and issue,avoiding lengthy titles, and/or state installation require-ments as being in accordance with approved manu-facturer’s recommendations or instructions, but omitdetailed descriptions and procedures.

(e) Reference standard specifications by specificeditions, including amendments. Include the date of thespecification or amendment. Such phrases as "theedition in effect on the date of the invitation for bids" or"the current edition" shall not be used to designateeditions of standard specifications applicable to thework.

(3) References to industry standards and codes, con-tained in the guide specifications shall be carefullychecked for correctness, applicability to the particularproject, and revisions subsequent to the date of the guidespecification. To determine the applicability of areferenced specification or standard, each command thatprepares or reviews project specifications shall maintaina file copy of the current edition of each referencedspecification.

n. Excavation.In rare instances provisions may bestated for the Government to reserve the right to in-crease or decrease the dimensions of the excavation, orto modify the cross-sections indicated on the plans insuch a manner as to take advantage of the contractors’progress with equipment being used at the site, providedthe changes are within allowable contract quantitychanges. If field conditions require extensive revisions,particularly for those portions of the work that havebeen completed, these revisions shall be directed by"change order" under the applicable contract provisionsfor "change of conditions."

9. Review and Approval of Plans and Specifica-tions

a. Every effort shall be made to ensure that P&Sare free of error. Before advertising for bids, completedP&S shall be independently reviewed in accordance withER 415-1-11. Except as otherwise provided in thisparagraph, all P&S prepared by A-Es will be reviewedby the district or MSC, as appropriate and those pre-pared by district personnel will be reviewed at the MSClevel.

b. The Commanders of CEPOD and CENED, asoperating MSCs, will ensure that their approval processincludes an in-depth, rigorous technical review in amanner similar to higher authority oversight.

c. P&S may be submitted to HQUSACE for reviewprovided: (1) the district and MSC Commanders are inmajor disagreement and/or (2) the technical expertise isnot available at the MSC.

d. Except in rare instances, the complete reviewand approval of P&S will be accomplished prior toadvertising for bids. In those rare instances where thisreview and approval process is not completed prior toadvertising, it will be expedited so that any requiredchanges can be made by amendment prior to bid open-ing.

e. The basis for review of P&S is the approvedDM and previous "decision" document. However, theMSC commander may request further design analyses,calculations, or details for use in the review of the P&S.

f. The main features of design to be included inreview of P&S are-

(1) location and arrangement of structures andequipment;

(2) adequacy for the intended purpose withoutunnecessary complication;

(3) reliability;

(4) environmental and aesthetic treatment;

(5) safety;

(6) economy;

(7) ease of operation and maintenance;

(8) the restrictive or nonrestrictive character of thedesign and possible limits to competition;

(9) conformance with HQUSACE guide specifi-cations, regulations, manuals, technical letters, and safetyregulations; industry and Federal specifications, codes,and standards; and manufacturers’ current designs andpractices;

6

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

(10) the extent to which the P&S define a projectthat can be constructed within budget as prescribed inthe baseline estimate (i.e., designed to cost).

g. Detailed points to consider in review of P&Sshall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to-

(1) site-development design, including siting, accessroads, parking areas, walks, outdoor recreational areas,grading, drainage, turfing, planting, etc., to ensure thatthe development is complete and efficient from opera-tion and maintenance standpoints and attractive inappearance;

(2) adequacy of geotechnical information, founda-tion preparation, and earthwork methods and sequencing;

(3) basic structural design concept, service-loadingassumptions, wind and seismic considerations, allowablestresses, foundation evaluations, compliance with applic-able codes and design criteria, allowances for unusualloading anticipated during construction not covered bynormal live-load considerations, critical surface featuressuch as expansion and crack control, and constructionjoint locations, and unusual construction or erectionmethods;

(4) stability of all structures and of the sizing andselection of all structural members, elements and con-nections, and their associated specifications;

(5) architectural finishes, materials, and components,such as roofing, windows, and doors, for suitability forthe local market and climatic conditions;

(6) mechanical and electrical design concepts withcapacity requirements, specified codes and arrangements,and acceptability of all mechanical and electrical compo-nents;

(7) review of dimensions, clearances, and locationsincluding structural, mechanical, electrical, or otherequipment to ensure the dimensional, space, and aesthet-ic compatibility of all elements;

(8) review of drawings and specifications for clarityof architectural, structural, mechanical, and electricaldetail so that the checking of shop-drawings will befacilitated;

(9) adequacy of safety, fire-prevention, andfire-protection features;

(10) ensuring that new construction will provideminimum interference with essential operations of anyexisting project facilities;

(11) review to coordinate requirements of drawingsand specifications to eliminate conflicts, vagueness, andambiguities;

(12) availability and suitability of specified con-struction materials;

(13) construction procedures and water and sedi-ment control plans.

h. The authority to prepare and approve P&S forfloating plant is defined in ER 1125-2-303.

i. P&S prepared by the Hydroelectric DesignCenter (HDC) for hydroelectric power plants andpumping plants will be reviewed by an independentHDC unit. When work prepared by HDC is subsequent-ly incorporated into work performed by others, thecompleted document will be furnished to HDC forreview to ensure proper coordination of HDC’s work.HDC’s and MSC’s review may be concurrent. If thisreview generates any conflicts or differences that cannotbe resolved by mutual agreement, HQUSACE (CECW-E) will be consulted for final resolution.

j. Significant revisions of approved project P&S,whether made prior to advertising or by amendment ofan invitation for bids or by modification of an existingcontract (by supplemental agreement or change order),will be approved by the same authority that approvedthe P&S being revised. This specifically includesrevisions resulting from Value Engineering actions. Forpurposes of the present regulations and this paragraph inparticular, significant revisions are those that modify thestructural features, functional purpose, or operational andmaintenance characteristics of the equipment or workinvolved, or have an appreciable effect on bid price,competition for the work, or administration of thecontract. HQUSACE (CECW-E) should be informedbefore implementation whenever such revisions consti-tute significant departures from the design concept aspresented in the approved DM. Districts will makethose minor changes needed to meet field conditions orto correct errors and omissions, and will provide infor-mation copies to the office having approving authority.

7

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

10.10. SubmissionSubmission ofof PlansPlans andand SpecificationsSpecifications

a. P&S which require review by either the MSC orby HQUSACE shall be forwarded with the districtcommander’s endorsement. The number of copies ofP&S to be submitted for review is as follows:

(1) Four copies where the work involves no morethan three engineering disciplines;

(2) Eight copies where the work involves four ormore engineering disciplines.

b. When P&S are returned to the preparer by thereviewing authority, subject to indicated modifications,the P&S need not be resubmitted for further reviewunless resubmission has been specifically requested bythe reviewing office, or unless reconsideration ofspecified modifications is desired. When resubmissionhas not been requested and all modifications requestedhave been accomplished without substantial change, theP&S may be issued whenever all other requirements,such as funding and conditions of local cooperation,have been satisfied. When modifications requested in anearlier review have not been incorporated in the P&Sbeing resubmitted, full explanation will be provided tothe reviewing office. Any change in the supplementalinformation originally submitted will also be indicatedwhen P&S are resubmitted.

c. Prior to advertisement for bids on any work, thedistrict commander shall compare the most currentestimates of cost for the work with the updated projectbaseline estimate and with the program amount availablefor the work. The district commander shall withholdadvertisement for bids and request advice of the MSCcommander and HQUSACE in any case in which thereis doubt as to the adequacy of funds available for thework.

11.11. AlternativeAlternative BidsBids andand Bidders’Bidders’ OptionsOptions

a. Instructions to bidders requiring each bidder tosubmit separate bid prices for named alternative items ofequipment or alternative methods of accomplishing agiven feature of work shall not be used. Such determi-nations shall be made before the issuance of invitationsfor bids, based on the requirements and economy of thework.

b. Solicitations on large supply or constructioncontracts shall provide for the subdivision of the workinto separate lots or schedules whenever necessary toensure adequate competition. Such solicitations shallprovide that each bidder may bid on any or all of theseparate lots or schedules and shall state that the Gov-ernment reserves the right to either award a contract forthe work as a whole or award separate contracts for eachlot or schedule. An example of a situation where thesubdivision of the work may be advisable is found in theprocurement of switchgear equipment for hydroelectricpower plants. In this case it is desirable to advertise forseveral different items (such as 480-volt metal-cladswitchgear, a 480-volt metal-enclosed buss, and 480-voltmotor control centers) under a single solicitation. Somebidders may manufacture all such items, while otherbidders may manufacture only one or two.

c. When two or more construction materials,combination of materials, or methods of constructionwill result in equally satisfactory construction for aproject feature as designed, provision shall be made inthe specifications and bid forms for the bidder to selectbetween such equally satisfactory materials or methodsin order to ensure maximum competition and lowest costto the Government.

d. When bidders’ options are permitted, the instruc-tions to bidders shall clearly state that a bid on only oneoption is desired and that in evaluating bids, all optionswill be considered as defining equivalent amounts andequivalent levels of quality regarding the completedwork. In setting up quantities for such options, careshall be taken to ensure that the quantities listed dorepresent equivalent amounts of completed work. If abidder submits bids on more than one option in a group,only the lowest bid option will be accepted.

12. Consulting and Engineering Services

ER 1110-23-1 describes the general policies and proce-dures for using the services of other elements of theCorps of Engineers, A-E firms, owners of facilities to berelocated, technical specialists in HQUSACE, andindividual consultants and experts.

13. Shop Drawings

Shop drawings shall be reviewed by technical personnelwho are fully qualified to evaluate such drawings,

8

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

including the verification of critical design details.Particular care shall be exercised in assigning respon-sibility for review and approval of shop drawingsaffecting basic design, and, where possible, such reviewsshall be assigned to the designer. This work shallinclude architectural review to preclude aesthetic conflictof piping, ductwork, conduits, transformer stations, etc.,with architectural treatment. When review and approvalof shop drawings by Government forces are impractica-ble, A-E firms may be employed for this purpose.When an A-E is employed for this purpose, extreme careshall be taken to provide sufficient criteria and instruc-tions to ensure proper review.

14. Corrections and Suggestions for ImprovingDesigns

To take full advantage of the experience gained throughconstruction and to avoid the repetition of mistakes, thefollowing actions shall be taken:

a. For designs prepared by the USACE commandsor by A-E firms working directly under the supervisionof USACE commands, these provisions apply:

(1) Errors, omissions, and ambiguities discoveredby the USACE commands responsible for the designshall be reported promptly to the responsible MSC andany other offices to which copies of related P&S havebeen provided. Such reports shall include recommendedremedial action or remedial action taken, as appropriate.

(2) Where designs are used in USACE commandsother than the USACE commands responsible for theoriginal design, errors, omissions, and ambiguities by theusing districts or MSCs shall be reported promptly to theUSACE command responsible for the design togetherwith a statement of corrective action taken.

b. Upon discovery, errors, omissions, and ambigu-ities in guide specifications and EMs shall be reportedpromptly to HQUSACE. MSC and district commandersare also encouraged to inform HQUSACE concerningsuggested changes to guide specifications and EMs thatare considered desirable to improve construction orfunctional use, or, to effect savings. Such informationshall include suggested improvements based on localexperience and suggested optional materials and methodsof construction.

c. ENG Form 3078, Recommended Changes toEngineering Documents, shall be used for reporting toHQUSACE errors, omissions, ambiguities, and suggestedimprovements in design, guide specifications, and EMs.ENG Form 3078 does not require a letter of transmittal.Four copies of the ENG Form 3078 report shall beprovided to CECW-EP.

15. Report on Latent Deficiencies

MSC and district commands shall promptly submitreports to HQUSACE in all cases where latent deficien-cies develop that are attributable to weaknesses ingenerally accepted design and construction practices.The report shall be in letter form and shall contain acomplete statement of the deficiency, its cause orprobable cause, and the corrective action taken orrecommended. Where a case is urgent or of majorconsequence, a telecopy or copy by way of other com-parable electronic means shall be sent immediately, fol-lowed by a detailed letter report.

16. As-Built Drawings

a. As construction of a project progresses, plansshall be prepared showing the work as actually con-structed. In order that the preparation of the as-builtdrawings may be supervised by personnel familiar withthe actual construction, the drawings for each majorcomponent of the project shall be prepared as soon aspracticable after the component is completed.

b. The original tracings or CADD equivalent,which are maintained at the district office, shall berevised to show the work as constructed.

c. A minimum of one complete set of as-builtdrawings shall be maintained at the project, and acomplete set on microfilm (or CADD drawings on CDROM) shall be maintained in the district office. Mainte-nance of these drawings in the MSC office is at thediscretion of the MSC commander. It is not requiredthat the drawings be provided to HQUSACE.

9

ER 1110-2-120030 Oct 93

d. For hydroelectric projects, the original tracingsand/or CADD file, revised to show actual construction,shall be transferred to the respective project drawing

files in the powerhouse. When approved changes arecompleted, the changes shall be made on the tracingsand/or CADD file, and the revised prints distributed.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

WILLIAM D. BROWNColonel, Corps of EngineersChief of Staff

10