| Continuity of Thought and Logic |
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| Are sentences and paragraphs limited to single ideas? |
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| Is there an orderly arrangement of ideas
throughout the specification? |
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| Do requirements follow the natural
sequence of the work? |
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| Method of Presentation and Overall
Organization |
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| Is the five-part format (or agency
equivalent) used? |
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| Is the specification structured so that all
information is easily accessible? |
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| Are headings used to make it easier for
readers to find information? |
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| Language and Style |
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| Is the language of the specification free of
vague and ambiguous words and
phrases? |
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| Does the specification correctly use active
voice and imperative mood? |
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| Does the specification use “must” vs. “shall” and “will” appropriately? |
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| Is formatting consistent? |
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| Is capitalization consistent (e.g., work vs.
Work, engineer vs. Engineer)? |
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| Is word choice consistent (e.g., pipe vs.
conduit, select fill vs. gravel, reinforcing
steel vs. rebar)? |
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| Measurable Standards |
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| Does the specification provide a clear
description of what is to be measured for
payment and the method of
measurement? |
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| Does the specification identify where and
when the measurements will be made? |
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| Can the inspector, using the specification
as the standard of performance, determine
whether the Contractor has complied with
all of the specified work requirements? |
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| Have escape clauses been avoided (e.g., requirements involving the "opinion of the Engineer")? |
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| Sampling and Testing Requirements: Does the specification describe how acceptance will be determined? Are the
specified tests necessary, or will product certification suffice? |
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| Submittals: Does the specification describe the necessary submittal requirements? Are the submittal requirements realistic (i.e., are shop drawings really necessary or is catalog information sufficient)? |
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| Coordinating Information and Requirements |
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| Has the specification been closely examined for redundancies, contradiction, ambiguities, duplication, and overlap? |
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| Are the specifications and drawings compatible? |
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| Are drawings used where needed to amplify the work requirements? |
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| PS&E Submittals |
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| Are the current FHWA required standard provisions included as required by 23 CFR 633 Subpart A (i.e. Form FHWA-1273)? |
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| Are the DBE participation goals identified
(49 CFR Section 26)? |
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| Are Buy America Act provisions included
(23 CFR 635.410)? |
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| Are the standard clauses on differing site
conditions, suspensions of work, and
significant changes in the character of the
work included? |
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| Do specifications satisfy all state, county,
and local requirements and permit
conditions? |
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| Are the current Department of Labor
Minimum Wage Rates included? |
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| For any materials to be provided by the
State or from sources designated by the
State, has a public interest finding been
obtained? Do the bidding documents
identify the location and any other
conditions to be met for the contractor to
secure the materials? |
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| For the use of publicly-owned equipment, has a cost effectiveness finding been obtained? Do the bidding documents identify the location and any other conditions to be met for the contractor to use the equipment?
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| Are guarantee or warranty clauses
included? (23 CFR 635.413) |
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| Are alternative contracting procedures
included? Is SEP-14 and/or SEP-15
approval needed? |
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| Are items shown as participating in fact eligible for federal funding? |
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| Are items shown as non-participating listed
separately? |
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| Are all force account items reasonable (23 CFR 635 Subpart B)? |
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| Are itemized quantities/costs reasonable? |
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