COs on federally

funded

projects require a PIF if they extend project limits, add project locations, or significantly change the contract scope. A PIF is a letter requesting concurrence from Division Director of Construction Division to proceed with a CO. Use the on the CST Support page to request concurrence. This concurrence represents FHWA approval as a delegated action through the Stewardship and Oversight

Plan

(S&O). Adding locations for districtwide projects such as seal coat projects do not require a PIF concurrence. For Texas Division Involved Projects (TxDIP) projects, coordinate with FHWA as stated in the project’s S&O

Plan

. More TxDIP information found in Section 2, of this chapter.

Consider the following questions in determining whether a change in scope has occurred:

Have the contract work elements changed?
How does the additional work impact quantities and cost?
Does the proposed change impact the complexity of the work?
What is the cumulative impact on the project?
What is the substantial benefit to the public for not bidding out the additional work?

Include the following in a PIF:

CO explanation
Explanation of the reason(s) the CO is needed
Statement on how the price is justified
Justification of need, such as a description of emergency work, transition end work, explanation of cost saving over cost to re-let or, other imminent need discussion
Time impact and justification statement
Statement of environmental clearance status along with necessary updates to meet environmental requirements. Notice of Intent threshold impacts, if applicable
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) review for Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) compliance, if applicable
Whether the CO is federally participating or not
Funding source category

Fully state funded projects do not require a PIF but are to be reviewed and approved by the District Engineer (DE).