Product Specification Practices and Problems

Abstract

The technical product specifications of construction contracts and the associated submittal review processes are shown to be involved in a major portion of all serious project disputes. A large number of actual publicly‐funded water and wastewater treatment facility building projects were examined with subsequent analysis of those reviews indicating that these disputes are detrimental in terms of additional project cost, schedule delays, and overall project disruption and loss of goodwill. In particular, the proprietary “brand name or equal” product specification method is seen to be commonly at the heart of these product disputes. Several different solution strategies were expressed as statistical hypotheses and tested for effectiveness. Among other propositions, the managerial strategies of required bid listing of proposed products, timely dispute resolution, and clarifying the submittal review process proved to be realistic and effective tools for reducing both the incidence and severity of product‐related contract disputes. Exact details are put forward along with sensitivity ranges.